Research Administrator

Department
 

PME Administration & Operations

About the Department
 

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The PME is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Job Summary
 

PME is seeking a Research Administrator to support the day-to-day operational and complex research needs of faculty, whose research is related to materials systems engineering, addressing challenges and technological issues that have a major impact on humanity and quality of life. The ideal candidate will closely partner with faculty to plan, oversee, and execute all aspects of the research operation, particularly the organization of students and postdoctoral activities, grant proposal preparation, and manuscript editing. In addition, the ideal candidate will manage the day-to-day operations of the faculty special projects, centers, and initiatives crucial to the faculty operation's success.

Responsibilities

• Manages all business matters related to the faculty and provides high-level, complete, strategic oversight of schedules and engagements, including triaging and confirming internal and external invitations.
• Manages the day-to-day operational and administrative oversight in support of the faculty and laboratory.
• Builds relationships crucial to the success of the research lab, including managing various special projects, some of which may have organizational and research impacts.
• Serves as the primary point of contact and liaison for internal and external constituencies on all matters for the faculty lead and their associated laboratory and center.
• Provides high-level administrative oversight for the faculty lead, including, but not limited to, updating project plans and timelines, resolving routine and complex inquiries, and assisting with special events and coordination of multi-PIs activities.
• Contributes to the preparation and editing of grant applications and reports, including special reports and executive summaries for high-level scientific advisory boards. Ensures project compliance of grant submissions and reports with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Contributes to the preparation (figures and editing) of presentations for scientific meetings and scientific manuscripts.
• Serves as liaison for the Dean’s research group, including personnel actions, onboarding, purchasing, reimbursements, accounts payable, space assignments, and requesting building and lab access.
• Collaborates closely with the research team to write documentation and disseminate research methods and resources that support or advance their research.
• Manages relevant scientific operations and equipment orders, including activities of students, postdoctoral researchers, and research staff.
• Provides exceptional support and project assistance, including scheduling, and coordinating high-priority meetings, running special events, and maintaining the calendar, while upholding confidentiality and exercising discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• 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.
• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of four years of significant work experience; STEM research experience.
• Working within academic and laboratory environments.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong computer skills including calendaring, document management (e.g., Dropbox, Box, etc.), database management, and spreadsheet skills.
• Familiarity with report writing/submission and manuscript drafting, editing and review.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated administrative, problem-solving, organization and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional References Contact List (3) (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
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or 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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