Sr. Specialist, Research Operations and Strategy ​​

Department
BSD OBG - Lindau Lab - Operations
About the Department
​​​The Lindau Laboratory at The University of Chicago is an interdisciplinary, team-based laboratory performing human-level observational, interventional, and health services research motivated by a fundamental concern for the principle of justice in health and health care. The lab, funded predominantly by agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for more than 15 years, employs about 20 full and part-time researchers and staff across disciplines including epidemiology, gerontology, anthropology, neurobiology, cancer biology, public health, and data science. The lab routinely collaborates across disciplines, departments, and with investigators at other institutions including experts in the fields of computer science, geriatrics, oncology, public health, social services administration, psychology, neuroscience, materials science, engineering and other medical and social science fields. The work of the lab focuses in two main areas: 1) preservation and treatment of female sexual function in the context of aging, cancer and other common diseases and 2) social determinants of health, with a particular concern for women and older adults living in socioeconomically marginalized communities. Our research and programmatic activities include Bionic Breast, WomanLab, Feed1st and CommunityRx. The Lab has spun out two companies: Now Pow, LLC (acquired by Unite USA, Inc. in 2021) and MAPSCorps, 501c3 (joined Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy in 2023), both originally headquartered in Hyde Park, Chicago, IL.​​
Job Summary
​​​The job supports all aspects of scientific research and programmatic projects and scientific research and programmatic facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research and programmatic activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write proposals, presentations, web content, articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences. This role reports to the Associate Director of Research Operations and Strategy, collaborates internally with a team of researchers responsible for scientific research projects and research operations, collaborates externally with departmental, divisional and institutional peers including (but not limited to) departmental administrators, HR professionals, procurement, event planning, marketing and communications, event planning, maintains relationships with external partners including researchers and vendors and may manage lab staff and students. ​​

Responsibilities

- Execute   the   Lindau Lab’s grant operations   plans   and play   a   key role in developing and   implementing   the   overall   plan   to meet externally funded deliverables   and organizational goals .
- ​ Oversee   the   management of lab space,   facilities ,   equipment,   purchasing, human   subjects   compensation, and human resources activities .
- ​ Cont ribute   to dissemination activities   through the development, maintenance and   management of web   and other digital   content.
- ​ Assist   leadership   in the implementation of community-engaged research strategies   and activities .
- ​ Build and   maintain   partnerships across the University and with external collaborators, including community leaders and residents.
- ​ Independently present   operation al , strateg ic ,   scientific   and programmatic findings in public forums .
- ​ Independently enable translation   and implementation   of novel research   and op e rations   methods and interventions in diverse settings .
- Assists with the development and execution of   Lindau Lab's operational plan and   play   a   key role in developing and   implementing the organization’s overall financial and business strategy.
- ​ Assist   with planning, developing,   analyzing   and managing bu dget s , including developing multi-year budget forecasts.
- ​ Support budget management   for grants including centralized internal control s , budget development, and financial reporting and analysis.
- ​ Oversee   the   review, approval,   tracking   and reporting of all expenditures on physical plant,   goods   and services.
- ​ Conduct research o n   grant and business opportunities and   assist   with   proposal development processes.
- ​ Assist   with the   development   and management   of all contracts, including those with vendors,   consultants   and subcontracts with other institutions.
- ​ Work closely with department pre- and post-award management professionals and the University Research Administration on proposal submission and   award   management.
- ​ Assist   with   the   development and implementation of strategic projects in women’s health,   entrepreneurship,    and   population sciences .
- ​ Provide executive calendar management and scheduling support to the   Principle   Investigator,   including coordination of related lab activities .
- ​ Assist   and support all activities of the Lindau Lab as needed to achieve success.
- 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:

- ​​Masters degree.

Experience:

- ​​Experience in effective support, management and training of research personnel.
- ​Experience in and track record of success with identification, development and writing of federal and other funding proposals.
- ​Experience in project management.
- ​Experience working in a research environment​.

Preferred Competencies

- ​​Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- ​Attention to detail.
- ​Demonstrated ability to take initiative.
- ​Demonstrated ability to learn new subject matter quickly.
- ​Superior time management and coordination skills.
- ​Demonstrated project leadership skills.
- ​Ability to collaborate with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
- ​Mastered proficiency of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe internet navigation and electronic communication skills.

Working Conditions

- ​​​Office and Lab.
- ​Remote work from home office in Chicago as permitted​​.

Application Documents

- Resume (required)
- Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

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
Yes
Health Screen Required
Yes
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
​
FLSA Status
Exempt
​
Pay Range
$60,000.00 - $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 the Benefits 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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