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What is a research project coordinator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Heather Tanner Ph.D.,
Brian Starr Ph.D.
introduction image

Research project coordinators supervise all processes regarding the execution of a research project. As a research project coordinator, you will work with the manager to plan and direct all activities regarding research projects. You are responsible for breaking down project work and assigning it out to the appropriate personnel or team, budgeting for the research project, and making sure all expenses are within the budget. Also, you should monitor the project process and make sure it is done accordingly and meets up with the scheduled time. It is also your responsibility to issue all legal documents and make sure all research project processes are well documented.

You need problem-solving skills, leadership skills, organization skills, and time-management skills for this role. You should also have a sound knowledge of Microsoft Project and planner, and you should be able to manage risk. Most research project coordinators have a bachelor's degree in business, psychology, or a related course. On average, you will earn $49,502 per year.

What general advice would you give to a research project coordinator?

Heather Tanner Ph.D.Heather Tanner Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, The Ohio State University

Most entry-level jobs have lots of boring elements, which is frustrating when you can't wait to jump in and tackle exciting challenges. However, it would help if you showed your immediate supervisor and the company/institution that you are a good team member, capable, and willing to take on tasks (challenging and boring). Routinely ask your supervisor for new jobs or projects to expand your skillset and knowledge of the company/institution. It would help if you also manage your expectations about how quickly you'll be promoted; it can be frustratingly slow. Finally, it's essential to recognize that you need to manage your reputation - this is a workplace where you need to be perceived as a responsible and competent professional. Therefore, only share information about your personal life and leisure time as if talking to your grandparents.
ScoreResearch Project CoordinatorUS Average
Salary
3.8

Avg. Salary $48,683

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 13.30%

Black or African American 2.47%

Hispanic or Latino 13.86%

Unknown 7.42%

White 62.45%

Gender

female 62.18%

male 37.82%

Age - 43.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43.5
Stress level
5.6

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Research project coordinator career paths

Key steps to become a research project coordinator

  1. Explore research project coordinator education requirements

    Most common research project coordinator degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.5 %

    Master's

    21.4 %

    Doctorate

    4.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific research project coordinator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Data Collection12.11%
    Patients8.66%
    Project Management5.89%
    Public Health5.45%
    IRB5.41%
  3. Complete relevant research project coordinator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New research project coordinators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a research project coordinator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real research project coordinator resumes.
  4. Research research project coordinator duties and responsibilities

    • Manage study documentation throughout study life cycle including IRB annual renewals, modifications, patient study charts and regulatory binder.
    • Recommend administrative revisions to IRB submit studies including inform consent documents.
    • Demonstrate small molecule are protective against DNA damage in mouse model of melanoma.
    • Conduct analysis using SPSS which result in developing a new software for students to selecting college.
  5. Prepare your research project coordinator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your research project coordinator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a research project coordinator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable research project coordinator resume templates

    Build a professional research project coordinator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your research project coordinator resume.
    Research Project Coordinator Resume
    Research Project Coordinator Resume
    Research Project Coordinator Resume
    Research Project Coordinator Resume
    Research Project Coordinator Resume
    Research Project Coordinator Resume
    Research Project Coordinator Resume
    Research Project Coordinator Resume
    Research Project Coordinator Resume
  6. Apply for research project coordinator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a research project coordinator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first research project coordinator job

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Average research project coordinator salary

The average research project coordinator salary in the United States is $48,683 per year or $23 per hour. Research project coordinator salaries range between $36,000 and $65,000 per year.

Average research project coordinator salary
$48,683 Yearly
$23.41 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do research project coordinators rate their job?

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Research project coordinator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2023
Pros

can work remotely, flexible hours

Cons

high stress job, no people interaction


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

What I like is that,you get to interact with different people from various communities.Relationships are formed in the process

Cons

Language barrier can be a problem,because communication needs to be formed in the language that each community you interact with understands.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Pros

Managing projects & expanding my computer & soft skills.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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