Department

PSD Chemistry: Faculty Support

About the Department

One of the first departments founded at the University of Chicago was the Department of Chemistry. Since then, The University of Chicago has been the recipient of more than 73 Nobel Prize recipients, 15 of which came from the Department of Chemistry. Our current faculty have considerable strength in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as in interdisciplinary research that delves into biology, physics, and materials science.

Job Summary

The Krishnan lab in the chemistry department of the University of Chicago is looking for a Lab Administrator who will facilitate the day-to-day operations and management of research groups. This position may be attractive for those who wish to take on more administrative responsibilities in a stimulating academic research environment. Principal contributions for this position are intellectual and organizational, characterized by originality and creativity. This position is part-time.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the lead administrator of research groups in managing administrative issues such as finances, academic personnel, and communications.

• Assist PI with coordination of all functions necessary to support a research group.

• Serves as the 'front line' for requests for information from all members of the research groups.

• Collaborates with Departmental and Dean’s office staff to make sure that postdocs are hired and onboarded into the laboratory.

• Supervises undergraduate support positions including onboarding, approving time, and directing their work.

• Coordinate initial orientation for new postdoctoral researchers, students, and other research staff.

• Resolves many office problems independently and facilitates solutions, conferring with the appropriate faculty members to resolve the most complex issues

• Oversee procurement and the processing of reimbursements; GEMS expense reporting.

• Manage seminar speakers/visitors by arranging travel and visit schedules; manage workshops and collaborative meetings within the research group and with other research groups or researchers.

• Conceptualizes and creates illustrations of complex scientific processes and concepts from rough sketches or electronic files from members of the Krishnan group.

• Independently manage projects, digital assets, and the archiving of work.

• Prepares materials for print publication including editing, formatting, and ensuring all the publication’s requirements are met.

• Create scientific illustrations for the Group websites. The websites are critical, as they are the preferred channel for sharing news and results.

• May manage special projects as directed by the PIs or collate supporting documentation for grants related to personnel statistics, lab facilities etc.

• Manage PIs’ travel itineraries and related calendars, obtaining appropriate visas, and submitting reimbursements for expenses.

• Assists the PI with timely and confidential submission of recommendation letters and letters of evaluation to various institutions, as well as for internal requirements for career progression of lab members and other members of the community.

• Performs some routine and complex assignments for the unit usually in the areas of finance, event planning or support services. Initiate the hiring process of students and staff for a unit, which includes the processing of payroll.

• Responsible for training office staff on office procedures and compliance protocols. Coordinates special projects.

• Assists in the monitoring of the various financial and budgetary activities, including vendors contracts. Preparing and monitoring the budget for a unit.

• 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

Experience:

• Experience as a lab manager or administrator in an academic setting.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Macintosh proficient.
• Proficiency with ORACLE system, student’s reimbursements, GEMS.
• Proficiency with word processing applications and spreadsheets.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (i.e. Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Illustration of scientific concepts.
• Knowledge of visa-related processes/communications/liaisons for international recruits.
• Knowledge of developing and maintaining laboratory safety protocols related to COVID-19 safety and other safety practices.

Preferred Competencies

• Proficiency with Oracle, Adobe Illustrator.
• Published Scientific illustrations.
• Contributions to federally funded research proposals.
• Ability to manage and prioritize daily task lists via email and be able to respond rapidly during the workday to email, text, phone, and/or verbal requests as these daily priorities evolve and/or change.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.

Application Documents:

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

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

20

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$32.00 - $42.00

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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