Lab Manager

Department

PSD Chemistry: Voth Group

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 has 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 Voth Lab is seeking a Lab Manager to perform and co-manage scientific research projects in a research group related to studies of various complex systems using theoretical and computational techniques. More specifically, key areas for contributions include assisting in the preparation and editing of grants, research manuscripts, and review articles, including annual reports and supporting information sections, from submission to publication; tracking project expenditures, and research data and computer allocation management; developing and implementing research group operating procedures as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Assist in management of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the Voth research group on projects related to the duties of the professional.
• Conduct literature research and reviews.
• Assist the professor with the preparation of manuscripts, reports, grants, and other documents.
• Assist the professor with the planning and direction of specific phases of the research project.
• Assist the professor with developing, amending, and auditing research/study protocols.
• Help to train students and others in laboratory and field research and methods.
• Assist PI with coordination of all functions necessary to support his research group.
• Serves as the 'front line' for requests for information from all members of the research groups.
• Provide proofreading, editorial, and on-line support to Prof. Voth NIH PubMed and manuscript submissions.
• Collaborate with Departmental and Dean’s office staff to make sure that postdocs are hired and onboarded into the laboratory.
• Coordinate initial orientation for new postdoctoral researchers, students, and other research staff in assigned labs.
• Resolves many office problems independently and facilitates solutions, conferring with the appropriate group members to resolve the most complex issues, including aspects of desktop computer management.
• Oversee procurement and the processing of reimbursements for Professor Voth and research group; 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.
• Create and update content for the Voth Group websites, Twitter account and Voth Wikipedia page. The websites are critical, as they are the preferred channel for sharing news and results.
• Manage and prioritize with Voth daily task lists each morning via email and be able to respond rapidly during the workday to email, text, phone, and/or verbal requests by Voth as these daily priorities evolve and/or change.
• Orders office and laboratory supplies, including research hardware and software.
• 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.
• Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.
• 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:

• Ph.D. Chemistry, Physics, Biophysics, or related fields.

Experience:       

• Previous experience in a scientific research environment.
• Experience with Microsoft Office software suite.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to train others.
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.
• Ability to respond to matters quickly.  
• Attention to detail.
• Organizational skills.
• Adaptability skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks under performance and time-related stress.
• Ability to learn if needed and implement EndNote bibliography software.

Application Documents

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

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $90,500.00

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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