research manager

Research managers oversee the research and development functions of a research facility or program or university. They support the executive staff, coordinate work activities, and monitor staff and research projects. They may work in a wide array of sectors, such as the chemical, technical and life sciences sector. Research managers can also advise on research and execute research themselves.

The most in-demand skills for this role include project management, research design, multidisciplinary research, scientific research methodology, manage budgets, manage staff. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.

Our AI-durability model gives research manager a score of 0.50 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.