Department
PSD Data Science Staff
About the Department
The Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago was established to support the development of emerging efforts in data science across the University. The staff in the Data Science Institute support the University’s community of scholars, their shared ideals, and the core values that make the University a singular intellectual destination. Together with the University's deans and department chairs, the Data Science Institute provides the opportunities, infrastructure, and resources that encourage our faculty and other scholars to pursue their finest work. We are part of the Physical Sciences Division which includes departments and several interdisciplinary research institutes and centers.
Job Summary
The AI+Science Research Initiative Director will work closely with the Faculty Director, Co-Directors, and the Executive Committee to lead the initiative. The Director will act as project manager, strategist, and problem solver. The Director will engage in high-level partnership building, research project development and management, financial and grant management, and program and donor development. The Director will manage recruitment and appointment processes, faculty committees and the Advisory Board, program and events development, and reporting activities. The Director will further develop programming jointly between UChicago and Caltech and the Schmidt Fellows Expansion program in Nigeria. Familiarity with postdoctoral scholar programs, university research structures and requirements, career mentorship in academia is preferable, as well as a background in academic research. The Director will oversee research professionals and support staff.
Responsibilities
- Identifies and prioritizes opportunities to grow the research initiative and expand its impact.
- Ensures smooth administration of the Initiative, including financial and administrative oversight, project management, grant reporting, budget oversight, and implements corrective action when appropriate.
- Identifies fundraising opportunities and leads grant-writing efforts to support core Initiative activities.
- Collaborates with senior leadership and campus partners to develop and execute a strategic vision for Initiative.
- Represents the Initiative and affiliated programs to both internal and external constituencies, including working groups and committees to advance the planning and successful execution of key projects and representing the Faculty Director and Data Science Institute in a variety of external settings.
- Provides high-level project management and strategic support for the Faculty Director; tracks high-priority projects and activities in which the Faculty Director is the lead.
- Manages research professionals and support staff involved with planning, monitoring, and compliance aspects of research projects. Advises other researchers on long-range plans for research projects.
- Liaises with staff in related roles at Caltech and other Schmidt AI in Science programs globally.
- Develops and monitors program budgets, analyzes financial performance and implements corrective action when appropriate.
- Works closely with faculty leadership and the Provost Office to plan and develop programmatic activities, timelines, deliverables, and operational frameworks to meet grant objectives.
- Works with the Data Science Institute staff to develop synergistic research and training activities.
- Proactively disseminates project information to internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintains evaluation metrics of the program.
- Occasional travel to Nigeria and Pasadena, CA to assist with programming.
- Manages program operations and administrative functions which may include planning and scheduling, program evaluation, policy implementation, personnel administration, budget, marketing, fundraising and proposal development.
- Contributes to design of program content, policies and strategic planning efforts.
- 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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
None required.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Master’s or PhD degree in a related field.
Preferred Competencies
- Demonstrated ability to maintain high-level relationships with academic researchers, governments, and external partnerships.
- Demonstrated success in research, scientific and/or academic program management.
- Understanding of higher education and/or nonprofit organizations.
- Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
- Effective project management skills, including managing and successfully working across teams, budgeting, attention to operational and research details, and ability to manage multiple projects efficiently.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Expert problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Experience working with international teams, particularly in Africa.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (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
Administration & Management
Role Impact
People Manager
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
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 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.
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.
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