Science Editor

Department
 

PSD James Franck Institute: Administration and Staff

About the Department
 

The James Franck Institute (JFI) is the premier institute in the US for research at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and materials science. We have great strength both in experiment and theory. We are a hub for activity in materials science and materials processing.

Job Summary
 

This position is to provide administrative and writing support for chemistry and physics faculty, their research groups and educational programs, and the James Franck Institute as a whole. The job will assist in writing and editing documents such as grant proposals and scientific papers, edit, and manage the publication of online educational materials, and provide professional support in large scale editorial and/or publishing projects. Assists with and oversees operations for research groups. Works closely with other administrators in Institute, Departments and Division. Provides general support for the James Franck Institute as needed.

Responsibilities

• Research editing: Work with faculty and research groups on writing research proposals and publications. This includes editing drafts of scientific portions with the objective of improving clarity and presentation, and creating new content where possible. Preparation and editing of documents such as letters of recommendations, reports, white papers, and publicity related to research group activity. Finalizes all types of documents for presentation, including layout, figures, and references.

• Grant proposal preparation and management: Assembling documentation for research grant proposals and reports in coordination with the Financial Administrator/University Research Administration. Tracking changing proposal and reporting requirements for different agencies. Maintain oversight of a portfolio of grants, and work with Financial Administrator and URA on administration of grants and accounts. Assist with federal requirements such as reporting, open access compliance and data archiving for publications.

• Educational editing: Assists faculty with science educational material. This includes editing and publishing online textbooks, and editing materials for university coursework and preparing them for online distribution.

• Research group administration: Support the work of faculty and their research groups.

• Creation and management of online content for faculty web pages.

• Personnel: Working with Institute on graduate student and postdoctoral appointments.

• Purchasing: Assisting with purchase of equipment and supplies and working with Financial Administrator in the Local Business Center and with University Research Administration.

• Travel Arrangements: Assist faculty, research groups, and visitors.

• Activities involve deadline driven work and must at times be available to meet deadlines outside of normal business hours.

• Edits books, journals, or other written materials with some guidance from others. Establishes editing schedules.

• Collaborates with authors to resolve routine and moderate problems using existing procedures and to clarify meaning. Assists with quality control by proofreading edited manuscripts.

• Checks typeset proofs before author review. Reviews typeset proofs or revised written copy returned by authors and approves or rejects changes. Enters author changes as appropriate and checks typeset pages.

• Coordinate all stages of manuscript editing and proof review up to the time the book is bound and edit and approve catalog and jacket materials with guidance from others.

• 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:         

• Advanced degree in chemistry, physics, or a related field.

Experience:       

• Technical science writing experience.

• Research grant submission experience.

• University administration experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Microsoft Office proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

• Online scientific editing using LaTeX, HTML, or other markup languages.

Preferred Competencies

• Publication quality document production.

• Website creation and management.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• Reference Information (required)

• Writing samples (required)

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

Job Family
 

Communications

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

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.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.