Program Manager / Research Professional

Department

BSD IPP - Finance

About the Department

The Institute for Population and Precision Health (IPPH), located in the Biological Sciences Division, integrates a wide spectrum of factors such as human health behaviors, environmental factors, social and economic factors, policies, and genetic determinants of health, into studies focused on the treatment and prevention of disease, as well as the maintenance of wellness. Leveraging and integrating the University of Chicago’s considerable institutional strength in population science with research spanning diverse fields such as genetic medicine, cancer epidemiology, microbiome, and epigenomics, the Institute will have the common goal of improving human health outcomes. Another major goal of the Institute will be to develop a new multidisciplinary training program to equip researchers with emerging tools and methods to conduct precision health research within a population health framework. Our faculty lead research projects in biostatistics, epidemiology, and health services research and participate in interdisciplinary teams with faculty in other departments to address complex problems in health and healthcare, in our communities and around the globe.

Job Summary

The Program Manager/Research Professional works closely with the Institute Director to manage two main research programs. The NIH-funded P30 Chicago Center for Health and Environment (CACHET) has five separate but inter-related areas of responsibility: 1) Administrative Core (AC), 2) Community Outreach and Engagement Core (COEC), 3) Integrative Health Sciences Facility Core (IHSFC), 4) Biomarkers Core (BC), and Pilot Project Program Core (PPPC). This position is a principle contributor in developing specific research project requirements and is responsible for all aspects of the project from development through delivery. Perform complex study and data collection methods.

The incumbent also provides oversight for a broad range of the University of Chicago Research Bangladesh (a non-government organization in Bangladesh that is a global health and research institute) functions including financial management of grants, compliance, and working with the URB Board and the URB Administrative Team in Bangladesh to execute on strategic initiatives.

This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Responsibilities

• In concert with the PI, develop objectives and design of research and data collection procedures. Provide high-level administrative support through the management of processes that support the conceptualization, initiation, and execution of project goals.
• Through oversight of research project processes, ensure the administration and coordination of research projects are compliant with the sponsor’s regulations and policies. Analyze and interpret data and results to provide feedback to the research teams on project fidelity.
• In collaboration with research leadership, provide support for the development and writing of grants, advanced study protocols, papers, and progress reports.
• Evaluate current developments and research findings and provide feedback to PIs to determine their potential applicability to research projects.
• Identify opportunities where the research teams can replicate, refine, and add/develop new research approaches based on project needs. Advise on the new direction for research based on study results.
• Monitor project developments on an ongoing basis and support the implementation of changes as needed.
• Prepare, organize, and communicate research results, as directed by the PIs. Assist with the writing of papers, grants, and other documents for publication based on research findings.
• May act as supervisor or team lead in directing and coordinating the work of lower-level staff regarding administrative research operations. Guide, train, and advise lower-level researchers and students on techniques, methods, and procedures.
• Plan, assign, and review work of staff to ensure that group objectives are met. Hire, train, develop, and manage staff to ensure that a qualified staff exists to meet group objectives.
• Responsible for the day-to-day direction of all Administrative Core (AC) activities at UC and coordination with the AC at UIC.
• Work directly with staff at the Southeast community groups in the identification of community concerns, as well as translation of those concerns into educational programs, relevant research proposals, and public health interventions.
• Interface with activities in targeted communities, with a focus on Southeast Chicago.
• Coordinate the semi-monthly seminars, Focus Groups, and EC meetings hosted on the UC campus.
• Implement Pilot Project Program (PPP) activities at the UIC campus under the direction of the PPP co-leader.
• Organize and attend study meetings and conference calls, and track regulatory and other project-related documentation.
• Direct all CACHET communications to UC members.
• Oversees daily operations and works closely with senior leadership and stakeholders to develop and execute operational plans that align with institutional, divisional, IPPH, and URB strategic goals.
• Oversees direct financial activities relevant to IPPH and URB, including administration of funds related to federal, nonfederal, and philanthropic funds. Develops and manages budgets, including monitoring and reconciling accounts. Assists with fundraising and philanthropic activities, events, and associated preparatory tasks. May select vendors and negotiate contracts.
• Prepares and helps manage grant and contract proposals, and IRB protocols, and ensures all records are in compliance. Develops financial reports and assists with seeking funding for grants.
• May travel to Bangladesh and other overseas locations for interactions with URB local staff, community, and institutional partners, as well as legal, Tax/Audit, and Government stakeholders.
• Uses moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
• Sets and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Analyzes program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.
• Has moderate/high levels of interactions with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

• Progressively responsible experience in research program management, preferably within an academic medical center, school of public health, or research university.
• Experience with financial management of complex, multi-source budgets including federal, non-federal, and philanthropic funds; experience reconciling accounts and preparing financial reports for sponsored research.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent problem-solving and teamwork skills.
• Very strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills (including cross-cultural competencies) including demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing with colleagues internationally where English is a second language.
• Familiarity with general business practices.
• Ability to handle confidential information with utmost discretion.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of international research operations or global health program management.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and interpretation in a research context, including working knowledge of IRB compliance and human subjects research regulations and protocols.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Ability to travel to Bangladesh may be needed 1 time per year.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required) 

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

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

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

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

$65,000.00 - $80,000.00

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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