Research Operations Manager

Job Posting Title:

Research Operations Manager

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Hiring Department:

Department of Marine Science

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Oct 30, 2025

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

PORT ARANSAS, TX

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Job Details:

Purpose

We seek a highly organized and motivated Research Operations Manager to oversee, manage, and coordinate a multidisciplinary collaborative research project executed out of the Texas Gulf Coast Research Center at UTMSI. The successful candidate will serve as a central point of contact between researchers, collaborators, and stakeholders, ensuring project implementation, coordination of field logistical support, and timely completion of deliverables aligned with scientific goals. This position is located in Port Aransas, Tx.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and manage the day-to-day activities of the scientific research projects.
• Collaborate with principal investigators, research staff, and external partners to align objectives and deliverables.
• Develop and monitor project timelines, budgets, milestones, and reporting requirements.
• Facilitate communication across scientific, administrative, and funding teams.
• Prepare documentation for reporting, publications, and presentations.
• Identify risks, troubleshoot challenges, and propose solutions to keep projects on track.
• Contribute to strategic planning and the development of future research initiatives.
• Coordinate field logistics, including research cruises, with PIs.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in a scientific discipline related to marine science (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, or related field) with four years of relevant experience.
• Peer-reviewed publications relevant to coastal ecosystems
• Field sampling experience that includes small vessels and ships
• Proven experience in project management within a scientific research environment.
• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret experimental results and guide decisions based on evidence.
• Planning & Scheduling: Mastery of tools like Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and project timelines.
• Budgeting & Resource Allocation: Managing costs, personnel, and lab resources efficiently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD) in a scientific discipline related to marine science (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, or related field).
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Risk Management: Identifying potential pitfalls and developing contingency plans.
• Familiarity with grant management, funding agencies, or regulatory requirements is a plus.
• Certification in project management is desirable but not required.

Driving Required

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

Salary Range

$75,000+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Will do field work on small boats and offshore on research vessels
• Some laboratory work may also be required

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent