Department
 

PME Liu Lab

About the Department
 

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME; https://pme.uchicago.edu) 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 Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering 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 Staff Scientist to manage all aspects of research projects and research facilities for the Liu research lab in the areas of energy, environment, and health. The ideal candidate will closely partner with faculty to plan, oversee and execute all aspects of the research operation, particularly on aspects of student supervision of research, and through grant proposal preparation and manuscript editing.
The initial term of employment will be for a year.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Assists in the preparation of presentations for scientific meetings and scientific manuscripts.
• Collaborates and coordinates with other researchers in the group and joint research efforts.
• Builds relationships crucial to the success of the lab, PME, and UChicago, and manages 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 Principal Investigator and their associated labs.
• Creates and presents tutorials, hands-on workshops and documentation to educate the relevant research community, as per the direction of the faculty lead.
• Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manages complex data sets for research.
• Trains new laboratory personnel.
• Contributes to the preparation of presentations for scientific meetings and scientific manuscripts.
• Maintains relevant scientific operations, equipment ordering, including activities of students, postdoctoral researchers, and research staff.
• 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.
• Participates in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports, and co-authors/authors scientific research manuscripts. Provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
• Collaborates on development of new research projects with academic and community-based organizations.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Doctoral degree with an established track record in chemistry, physics, materials science, or environmental engineering.

Experience:

• A minimum of three years of significant work experience; postdoc experience.
• Experience working within academic and laboratory environment.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• 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 report writing/submission and manuscript drafting, editing and review.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated administrative, problem-solving, organization, and coordination skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Prioritize urgent tasks while ensuring established deadlines are met.
• Flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.
• Handle stressful, sensitive, and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Knowledge and experience of related research techniques or methods.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with local and federal regulations, guidelines, and procedures.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (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

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 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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