Project Manager - UIC Science

This role manages all phases of project delivery—planning, logistics, documentation, and closeout—while serving as the primary contact for researchers, funding agencies, and institutions. Physical and Mental Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear.

Overview:

UIC Science is seeking a Project Manager to coordinate Arctic research projects across Alaska. This role manages all phases of project delivery—planning, logistics, documentation, and closeout—while serving as the primary contact for researchers, funding agencies, and institutions. The position works closely with the operations team in Utqiavik, AK to support resource planning and scheduling.

 

Although the role is not based in Utqiavik, a minimum six-week presence during peak season is required (travel support provided). The Project Manager is also responsible for contributing to weekly updates, reports, and ensuring compliance with UIC Health, Safety, and Environmental policies, including risk assessments.

Responsibilities:

Essential functions will include:

• Manage Arctic-based research projects from planning through closeout.

• Develop and track budgets for proposed and approved NSF and non-NSF projects.

• Ensure projects are delivered within approved scope, cost, and schedule, including timely reporting and change management.

• Draft statements of work and requisitions; serve as the contracting officer’s technical representative for field operations.

• Prepare and maintain accurate planning documents, including project summaries and season plans.

• Coordinate with internal teams, researchers, vendors, and community partners to ensure sufficient inventory and services for field support.

• Lead project closeouts and conduct end-of-season debriefs.

• Liaise with local communities and agencies to align on project support.

• Review research proposals and provide technical and logistical feedback.

• Respond promptly and accurately to inquiries and support requests.

• Collaborate with the UIC Science Operations team on field planning and execution.

• Support the operations team during the field season, including troubleshooting and change management.

• Provide backup project management support to other team members as needed.

• Participate in regional team meetings and contribute to collaborative planning.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA from an accredited college or university and 5 years related work experience.
• Must have advanced computer skills, MS Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Position may require 40+ hours per week during peak season. Peak season is usually May-September.
• Time off during peak field seasons may be limited.
• Must have experience working in Arctic Conditions (windy and temperature I excess of -40F)
• If candidate is not from Barrow, this position will require trave to field sites for minimum of 6 week during peak season.
• Must Possess valid state Driver’s License.
• Must pass pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.
• Must pass criminal background check for security clearance.
• Must live in Alaska.
• Project management experience coordinating complex field logistics in remote/extreme environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
• Master's degree in project management, business, or science.
• Experience working with federal agencies.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. 

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based with regular use of computers and standard office equipment.

• Travel required to remote locations, including Utqiavik, AK, for a minimum of six weeks during peak field season.

• Field conditions may include exposure to extreme cold (temperatures below 0°F), high winds, and varying weather.

• Occasional work in outdoor environments near research sites, logistics hubs, and equipment staging areas.

• May involve travel by small aircraft, snow machine, ATV, or boat to access remote field sites.

• Exposure to noise from equipment, vehicles, and machinery in field environments.

• Extended or irregular hours may be required during active field operations or peak project periods.

• Work may involve collaboration with local communities and coordination with multiple stakeholders in challenging logistical settings.