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 experiments and theory. We are a hub for activity in materials science and materials processing.

Job Summary
 

The James Franck Institute is seeking a Research Professional to support the day-to-day operational and administrative needs of three large and complex research groups. The ideal candidate will closely partner with Professor Margaret Gardel to plan, oversee and execute all aspects of the research operation, from basic calendaring and inventory management to grant proposal preparation, manuscript editing, and report preparation. The candidate should have experience in planning, executing, facilitating, and promoting advanced technical/scientific research projects. The Research Professional will participate directly in various research activities and support the PI with the mentorship of researchers working on different projects.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates lab management needs for three JFI labs: Gardel, Jerison, and Murugan.
• Overseeing shared equipment, ensuring safety training is completed for lab personnel, and ensuring labs are compliant with IRB protocols.
• Facilitates and promotes advanced technical/scientific research projects including data analysis. Recognizes the need for innovation and develops or incorporates advances in research concepts to help disseminate the results of research projects. Provides day-to-day operational oversight in support of the same.
• Assists in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports. May help prepare presentations for scientific meetings and will provide help with the preparation of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
• Works closely with faculty to write documentation and disseminate computational methods and resources that support or advance their research.
• Maintains group scientific operations, including activities of students, postdoctoral researchers, and research staff.
• Collaborates and coordinates with other researchers in the group and joint research efforts.
• Coordinates with other personnel in various functional areas (e.g., Human Resources, University Research Administration, ANL, etc.) internally and externally to ensure smooth operations across all aspects of the operation.
• Accurately and promptly, maintains appointments, calendars, inventories, websites, grant-related documentation, financial projections (on a grant, gift, and other funding sources), reports, and other information.
• Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage complex data sets for research.
• Assists with cell biological and molecular biology experiments in the laboratory.
• Trains new laboratory personnel.
• 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.
• 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:         

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, or a related area.

Experience:

• Postdoctoral experience.
• Expertise in molecular biology techniques, including designing and cloning genetic constructs for expression and gene manipulation in animal cells.
• Experience with initiating and guiding research projects with students and other researchers.
• Working in academic and laboratory environments.
• Experience as a supervisor.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Strong computer skills, including calendaring, document management (e.g., Dropbox, Box, etc.), word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills.
• Knowledge of statistical/analytical software.
• Familiarity with grant writing/submission and manuscript drafting, editing & review.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated administrative, problem-solving, organizational, and coordination skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritize urgent tasks while ensuring established deadlines are met.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.
• Ability to handle stressful, sensitive, and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References (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
 

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.

 

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