PME Administrative Support Team
The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.
This position coordinates non-technical (not information technology or construction related) projects from conception to completion. Assists with the assembly of teams and the development of detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports using straightforward problem solving skills.

• Oversees equipment and machine/device inventory, supply/equipment ordering, machine maintenance, etc. to help identify economies of scale and cost reduction and overall research material management.
• In collaboration with the Executive Assistant, initiates, tracks and maintains service agreements for shared lab equipment; and digitizes and organizes guidelines, SOPs, files etc.).
• Identifies current usage, system needs/advancements, and consistent access to resources for lab employees.
• Works with other Lab Administrators/Managers to assess lab needs both material and human resources to help resolve and/or triage appropriately.
• Develops goals and operating procedures, practices, and guidelines for procurement of lab equipment and supplies.
• Updates and identifies research space as needed with PME Space Infrastructure and Facilities.
• Manages other staff personnel matters as needed.
• Monitors faculty expense accounts and advises the Senior Financial Analyst of potential problem spending patterns.
• Coordinates with the Senior Financial Coordinator to process and track all laboratory bills and expense reimbursements.
• Composes and edits correspondence and other documents. Maintains and updates web content.
• Helps create and maintain content for PI lab pages, such as: lab members, current research, publications, open positions, news, and alumni.
• Liaison to PME Marketing and Communications to ensure lab pages are consistent in look and feel and use the current branding.
• With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related administrative or operational duties and tasks.
• 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.
• Manages special projects, functions, events, symposiums, and seminars, including updating and/or enhancing formats to attract students and junior researchers. Leads planning, scheduling, and outreach, including: facility reservations and configurations, travel arrangements, audio/visual needs, building access, etc.
• Serves as the main point of contact and corresponds with PME and University planning partners, speakers, attendees, vendors, and other stakeholders. Coordinates communication to a variety of stakeholders including the PME community, other departments within the University, program participants, and external vendors.
• Oversees and maintains the budget, e.g. budget projections, vendor selection and contracts, negotiates terms, and reconciles expenses.
• Facilitates event day logistics and set up.
• Works closely with the PIs to determine projects/events/seminars.
• Conducts post-event evaluations with internal and external stakeholders. Reviews, recommends, and implements ideas for improvement.
• Develops templates, scorecards and SOPs for these projects to ensure a minimum standard process to be followed for such even types going forward.
• Coordinates events, researches logistics, assists with planning and preparing presentations, event outreach, and post-event write ups.
• Assists with other administrative projects as needed and acquire higher level guidance and skills.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Project management experience in a fast-paced, large non-profit, public, or private sector organization supporting an executive-level individual or team.

• Project Management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Maintain calm and courteous demeanor and to work productively despite heavy workload, competing priorities, complex problems, and tight deadlines.
• Use sound judgment and have excellent problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of scheduling and travel coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize assignments to accommodate workload and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, university administrators and professional organizations.
• Superior attention to detail.
• Work effectively independently and as a team member.
• Take initiative and organize and complete projects with minimal supervision.
• Receive feedback and respond to constructive criticism.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Understanding of academic and administrative structures of institutions of higher education.

• Flexible hybrid office/remote environment.
• Occasional extended work hours and some weekend days.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Administration & Management
Individual Contributor
Exempt
Monthly
37.5
Yes
No
No
No