Associate Director of Research Operations and Strategy

Department
 

BSD OBG - Lindau Lab

About the Department
 

The Lindau Laboratory at the University of Chicago is an interdisciplinary, fast-paced, team-based laboratory performing human-level observational, interventional, health services, geospatial and agent-based modeling research motivated by a fundamental concern for the principle of justice in health and health care. The Lab, funded predominantly by agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services employs about 20 full and part-time researchers across disciplines including epidemiology, gerontology, anthropology, public health, and data science. The lab routinely collaborates across disciplines, University of Chicago units, and with investigators at other institutions including experts in the fields of computer science, design, public health, social service administration, geriatrics, neuroscience, materials science other medical and social science fields. In addition to her scholarly work, Dr. Lindau is a practicing gynecologist with specialized expertise in prevalence, prevention and treatment of sexual disorders in women in the context of aging, cancer and other common illnesses. The work of the lab focuses in two main areas: 1) population health and health equity, with a particular concern for women, children and older adults living in high-poverty communities and; 2) preservation and treatment of female sexuality in the context of aging, cancer and other common diseases. The two main areas of work include the South Side Health and Vitality Studies (SSHVS) and the Program in Integrative Sexual Medicine (PRISM). SSHVS is a well-established collaborative effort between university researchers and community members that aims to understand how community assets and information and communication technologies can be used to improve health and vitality. This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Job Summary
 

The job manages scientific research projects or scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences. This role reports to the Director of Operations and Strategy and manages a team of professional staff responsible for scientific research projects and research operations. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. Assists with management of the production of articles, reports, manuscripts, and web content, and presents research findings at meetings and/ or conferences.

Responsibilities

Research Operations (50%):

• Executes Lindau Lab’s grant operations plans and plays key role in developing and executing overall plan to meet externally funded deliverables.

• Oversees management of lab space, facilities and equipment, purchasing, human subjects compensation, and human resources activities.

• Oversees the Feed1st Program, applying knowledge about food insecurity, the medical center community and community stakeholders to ensure optimal impact and operations.

• Contributes to dissemination activities via generation and management of web content.

• Assists leadership in the implementation of community-engaged research strategies.

• Builds and maintains partnerships across the University and with external collaborators, including community leaders and residents.

• Independently presents scientific and programmatic findings in public forums.

• Independently enables translation of novel research methods and interventions in diverse settings.

Financial and Business Strategy Development and Implementation (50%):

• Assists with the development and execution of Lindau Lab's operational plan and plays key role in developing and executing organization's overall strategic plan.

• Plans, develops, analyzes and manages budget, including developing multi-year budget forecasts.

• Manages budgets for grants including centralized internal control, budget development, and financial reporting and analysis.

• Oversees the review, approval, and reporting of all expenditures on physical plant, goods and services.

• Conducts research of grant and business opportunities and assists with proposal development processes.

• Assists with the development of all contracts, including those with vendors, consultants and subcontracts with other institutions.

• Works closely with department pre- and post-award management professionals and the University Research Administration on proposal submission and management.

• Assists with development and implementation of strategic projects in women’s health, entrepreneurship, and population sciences.

• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.

• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.

• Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.

• Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.

• Presents research findings at meetings and conferences, as well as to funding agencies. Conducts literature reviews. Develops and maintains liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

•  PhD.

Experience:

• Experience with effective management and training of research personnel.

• Experience with Identification, development and writing of federal and other funding proposals.

• Experience with Project management.

• Experience working in a research environment.

Preferred Competencies

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative.

• Demonstrated ability to learn new subject matter quickly.

• Superior time management and coordination skills.

• Demonstrated project leadership skills.

• Ability to collaborate with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.

• Mastered proficiency of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe internet navigation and electronic communication skills.

• Comfortable and experience dealing with sensitive subject matter; ability to maintain highest standards of confidentiality.

• High energy, thrives in fast-pace, dynamic, diverse intellectual environment.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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