NITMB Director for Research

Department

PSD Data Science: NITMB Group

About the Department

The NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology (NITMB) is a partnership between Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. The institute aims to integrate the disciplines of mathematics and biology to transform the practice of biological research and inspire new mathematical discoveries. The staff at NITMB support the community of scholars, the shared ideals, and the core values of the institute. Together with the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, the NITMB provides the opportunities, infrastructure, and resources that encourage our faculty and other scholars to pursue their finest work.

Job Summary

The NITMB is seeking a highly experienced Director for Research to lead the NITMB’s research and evaluation efforts. The Director is responsible for the strategic management of research initiatives and external and internal research partnerships that support NIMTB activities. The Director for Research reports directly to the NITMB Faculty Deputy Director for Research. The Director for Research will work collaboratively with the NITMB Faculty Deputy Director and Director of Operations to sharpen the NITMB’s research vision and build strong relationships with scholars, scientists, and staff to help grow the NITMB’s research portfolio. The Director for Research will build relationships with agencies and organizations to support research strategies. This includes high-level relationship building, research project development and management, grant proposals, and strategic alliances with partner institutes. The Director will oversee a team of research professionals responsible for targeted research and programmatic activities, and work with the team to sustain, implement, and disseminate research findings.

The Director of Research will focus on positioning the NITMB to become a national research hub by securing large-scale external funding, building strong industry partnerships, and increasing national visibility through high-impact programs.

Responsibilities

• Develops and manages strong relationships with faculty members and other stakeholders working in the NITMB-related areas.

• Maintains and promotes awareness of faculty mathematical biology research, initiatives, and programs; collaborates and communicates with faculty and leadership to coordinate initiatives and program activities.

• Serves as a key member of the NITMB’s senior leadership team and works collaboratively with staff and faculty at all levels across the NITMB and with internal and external partners to ensure the success of the research programs.

• Leads, manages, and supervises research professionals and support staff who are involved with planning, implementing, monitoring, and compliance aspects of research projects.

• Builds and maintains relationships with key partners in governments, foundations, professional organizations, and industry who are vital to the success of the research initiatives and programs.

• Supports fundraising and grant writing efforts to support core center activities.

• Works collaboratively with the NITMB evaluation team to measure project impact and success.

• Manages administrative aspects, advertising, coordinating reviews, and tracking progress of internal and external research programs and the summer undergraduate research program.

• Works closely with the Faculty Directors and Director of Operations to identify, launch, and sustain research initiatives and programs.

• Serves as a key resource for program information and resolve problems or questions referred by program staff, University administrators, or other contingencies.

• Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.

• Organizes and oversees activities designed to build connections among NITMB researchers and research projects, including trainees and tutorials, the seminar series, work-in-progress meetings, one-day open problem studios, and other events.

• Develops and oversees public-facing research outputs for NITMB, such as research highlights, video profiles, blog posts, white papers, open problem studios, and more. 

• Organizes, coordinates, and supports slide preparation for board meetings (External Advisory Board, Scientific Advisory Council, etc.) and site visits.

• 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.

• Develops goals and operating procedures, practices, and guidelines for research activity based on department strategy.

• 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:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• An advanced degree in a field related to mathematical biology.

Experience:

• Experience working with interdisciplinary research teams, federal and non-federal agencies, and community stakeholders.

• A strong track record of successful grantsmanship, manuscript preparation, or publications.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to maintain high-level relationships with academic researchers, governments, and external partnerships.

• Experience with mathematics, biology, data science, and/or interdisciplinary research or team science.

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.

• Effective project management skills, including managing and successfully working across teams, attention to operational and research details, and ability to manage multiple projects efficiently.

• Work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Expert problem-solving and analytical skills.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• 3 References Contact Information (required)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

People Manager

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

$117,000.00 - $125,000.00

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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