Research & Strategy Lead

Department

PSD Chemistry: Gagliardi 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 Gagliardi group is comprised of a diverse group of scientists with a wide range of research backgrounds, invested in posing new and relevant questions that can then be answered with theoretical and computational modeling. Professor Gagliardi serves as the Director of the Catalyst Design for Decarbonization Center, co-Director of the Center for Advanced Materials for Environmental Solutions, and senior personnel in the Center for Organic Battery Innovation.

This position is a pivotal leadership role within the Gagliardi research team, entrusted with advancing the scientific research and strategic direction of the group. The Research & Strategy Lead provides expertise in developing and directing innovative scientific programs and research initiatives. Drawing on considerable experience, and operating with a high degree of independence, this individual oversees activities related to data collection and analysis, fosters collaboration with internal and external groups, and mentors junior researchers. The Research & Strategy Lead ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies; contributes to grant proposals, articles, reports, and manuscripts; and presents research findings at scientific meetings and conferences. Additional responsibilities include leading fundraising efforts, organizing seminars and workshops, and implementing outreach programs.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Faculty Director, Center leaders, and research collaborators to identify and develop new research projects and manage existing projects.  
• Establishes research goals, operating procedures, and guidelines to ensure successful project execution.
• Leads pre-award proposal development and budgeting for multiple (>10) high value (>$M) grant applications annually.
• Manages resource allocations to projects, including managing the budgeting process. Works with the Managing Director to create budgeting and reporting systems that support the research team in its efforts to execute on projects.
• Works with senior leadership to grow and maintain external support and visibility for the group’s work.
• Serves as a resource for data management and sharing.
• Builds and maintains relationships crucial to organizational success and research advancement.
• Collaborates and coordinates with researchers on joint research efforts and cross-cutting initiatives.
• Interacts with external investigators and collaborators, including professional communications with senior scientists at UChicago and other leading institutions to enable the Faculty Director to align program priorities with collaborators.
• Substantially contributes to grant proposals, protocols, and research publications.
• Manages complex datasets for research projects.
• Organizes events, such as seminars, workshops, and faculty visits, including arranging travel, communicating with the visitors, serving as the first point of contact, and preparing communication materials for the event.
• Assists with the development and implementation of community outreach programs. Tracks success of these programs, gathering data about the participants and sharing outcomes with the project leadership.
• Plans external site visits for funding agency staff, reviewers, and donors.
• Mentors junior research members.
• Provides expertise to researchers on compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates.
• Provides expertise to researchers and research support staff. Oversees activities related to data collection and analysis.
• 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:       

• Advanced degree (e.g. PhD, MBA, MA, MS).

Experience:    

• Experience managing a large center or research group.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary academic or research teams.
• Experience planning and executing projects.
• Experience organizing events, workshops, or seminars.
• Experience working with data and creating reports.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Curiosity and interest in climate science.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and Google Docs.
• Working knowledge of grant proposal submissions and post-award management.
• Proficiency with reference management software such as Endnote.
• Knowledge of website editing platforms such as WordPress.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, to communicate technical information in a way that can be understood by stakeholders with varying levels of technical background.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to proactively manage risks.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Calm and courteous demeanor, even when faced with competing priorities, complex problems, and tight deadlines.
• Strong time management and project management skills with a success in roles requiring execution of multiple tasks while responding to multiple priorities.
• Absolute discretion when handling sensitive and confidential situations and information.

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for a fully remote work schedule.
• Candidates are flexible and willing to travel extensively as needed.

Application Documents  

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References (3 preferred)

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

$115,000.00 - $130,000.00

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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