Research Administrator

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.