Department
PME Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
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. Support also includes the Energy Transition Network (ETN https://energytransition.uchicago.edu/) and the Meng Lab academic research group (https://lescmeng.ai/people/), composed of students and post-doctoral fellows, research associates, and visiting researchers. 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
- Serves as liaison for the ETN, including personnel actions, onboarding, purchasing, reimbursements, accounts payable, space assignments, and requesting building and lab access.
- Manages and plans ETN corporate partnership activities including, but not limited to, annual events, ecosystem partner events, one-on-one faculty collaboration opportunities, Visiting Industry Fellow program, and University - Industry collaboration teams.
- Facilitates and manages ETN outreach initiatives, such as public lectures, collaborative workshops, and partnerships with local and global organizations.
- Collaborates with PME Marketing and Communications to socialize clean energy initiatives by promoting energy awareness, increasing internal and external engagement, and implementing targeted educational outreach.
- Manages all business matters related to the faculty lab 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.
- 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.
- Leverages planning tools to generate, communicate, and track complex timelines, milestones, and metrics for project execution and the achievement of the Meng Lab’s strategic goals.
- Prepares and executes local, national, and international events and workshops; coordinates with students, faculty, professionals, and volunteers; assists as needed with promotional activities.
- Works to develop detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports. Assembles and leads a project team, assigns individual responsibilities, identifies appropriate resources needed, and develops schedules to ensure timely completion of projects.
- 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.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Experience:
- A minimum of 2-5 years of relevant work experience.
- Background 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, such as Dropbox, Box, etc., database management, and spreadsheet skills.
- Familiarity with report writing/submission and manuscript drafting, editing and review.
Preferred Competencies
- Excellent time management skills and handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated administrative, problem-solving, organization and coordination skills.
- Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Prioritize urgent tasks while ensuring established deadlines are met. Flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.
- Handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
- Knowledge of and familiarity with local and federal regulations, guidelines, and procedures.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (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
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$70,000.00 - $80,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in theBenefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.
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.
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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