Project Associate

Department

PSD Enrico Fermi Institute: X Lab

About the Department

The Existential Risk Laboratory (XLab) is an initiative based within the Physical Sciences Division at the University of Chicago. The Lab aims to catalyze novel research activity by serving as a convening locus at the University as well as supporting research groups for the interdisciplinary field of existential risk studies. XLab additionally supports outreach and education for undergraduates through its summer research fellowship, educational events, and curricular development efforts.

Job Summary

The XLab Project Associate supports the day-to-day operations of XLab, including student research projects, the summer research fellowship, XLab's growing portfolio of research programs, and external-facing communications. The Project Associate works closely with XLab leadership, the Financial Administrator, and the operations leads of individual programs to ensure that students, fellows, and staff have the support they need. This position is funded by XLab's grants and is expected to continue as long as funding allows.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the logistical and administrative aspects of XLab programs, including the summer research fellowship and other initiatives as they develop.
• Takes a leading role in the planning and execution of XLab workshops and events, including venue setup, coordinating with speakers or presenters, and ensuring smooth running of the events.
• Provides support to student researchers in planning and organizing their research activities.
• Proactively identifies students with potential and interest in XLab's initiatives and help connect them with research opportunities, fellowships, and mentors.
• Crafts engaging and informative content for XLab announcements, website updates, introductory materials, and other communications.
• Partners with the Financial Administrator to track program and grant spending against budget.
• Serves as a first point of contact for external inquiries and route them appropriately.
• Assists with researching funding opportunities, preparing grant proposals, and drafting or editing other written materials with moderate to high levels of guidance.
• May assist with other administrative projects as needed and acquire higher-level guidance and skills.
• Perform 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 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Experience:

• Knowledge and skills developed through similar work experience in a university, research institute, or nonprofit setting.
• Writing in a dominant position, such as for websites, journalism, or communications.
• Knowledge of AI, AI safety, national security policy and norms, global catastrophic risk studies, or other security-related fields.
• Experience as a teaching assistant or similar experience evaluating student work and providing feedback.

Preferred Competencies

• Familiarity with Office Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Comfort in using online meeting platforms (Zoom, Teams, etc.).
• Familiarity with online sharing tools (Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.).
• Basic HTML for updating websites.
• Familiarity with basic AV equipment (cameras, mics, recording controls).

Working Conditions

• In-person at the University of Chicago.
• May work occasional evenings and weekends.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• References (preferred)

Job Family

Administration & Management

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

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$33.00 - $40.00

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.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.