Strategic Research Specialist​
The University of Chicago

Department
BSD PED - Allergy and Immunology

About the Department
The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago is a dynamic and stimulating place to work. We strive for the highest level of complex care for children from diagnosis and treatment; provide outstanding education and training for students, postgraduate scholars, and physicians; and nurture the research of Department scholars who seek to elucidate the causes of pediatric disease and identify promising new therapies. In addition to our provision of clinical care at UChicago Medicine (UCM) Comer Children's Hospital and at our regional sites, we are currently expanding our clinical care across Northern Illinois and Northwestern Indiana. In collaboration with our partners in the Chicagoland Children's Health Alliance (CCHA; Advocate Children's Hospital, and NorthShore University Health System). CCHA has responsibility for the care of almost 1 million children. The Department has expanded its presence to numerous satellite sites of care across the region with the goal of providing care 'close to home' whenever feasible (https://pediatrics.uchicago.edu/). Our mission is to improve the health of every child entrusted to us, in an inclusive environment that is committed to family-centered care, clinical excellence, impactful scholarship, effective disease prevention, and advocacy for the appropriate care of every child. We are especially committed to the children on the South Side of Chicago and to altering the inequities in healthcare.

Job Summary
The University of Chicago's Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy/Immunology and Pediatric Pulmonology, seeks a Strategic Research Specialist to provide scientific and intellectual leadership experience and skills in the support of the development of grant and research proposals, preparation of presentations and peer-reviewed publications, and work with the team to ensure successful operations and support the development and oversight of the research infrastructure within the Section in partnership with Principal Investigators (PIs) and senior leadership. They will apply experience and skills to efforts to secure external funding, steward pre- and post-award processes, and provide guidance to investigators to support operations, research, and strategic planning. The Section continues to expand its clinical research program and is seeking cutting-edge biomedical research with a focus in improving immune diagnostics. The ideal candidate will be able to seamlessly integrate data-driven solutions into pediatric medicine, ensuring the delivery of personalized, precise, and efficient care for every child. The appointee will join a vibrant center of scientific discovery and innovation. Opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration are abundant, both within and outside the Biological Sciences Division. The Biological Sciences Division, other academic units of the University of Chicago, and UChicago Medicine, are all contained within one compact campus in Chicago's Hyde Park. The primary appointment will be in the Department of Pediatrics, although we anticipate that the appointee will develop close interactions with other departments, divisions, and institutes at the University of Chicago.

This at-will position is fully 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

• Supports the planning, execution, facilitation, and advancement of technical/scientific research projects in the field of Allergy/Immunology.
  
• Partners with PIs and other senior leadership to provide strategic oversight for programs within the Section of Allergy/Immunology in partnership with investigators and Section Chief.
  
• Participates in the preparation and writing of grant applications, budgets, and reports, and co-author scientific research manuscripts.
  
• Oversees day-to-day activities in partnership with PIs related to database creation, data collection, and analysis, including evaluation of database management systems within the institution and those available commercially.
  
• Develops and writes proposals for extramural funding and collaborates with the central development office, departmental research management, and central research administration to submit funding proposals in partnership with PIs.
  
• Works with investigators to ensure projects are meeting milestones and achieving outcomes.
  
• Contributes to the preparation of reports, publications, and presentations.
  
• Conducts collaborative research with faculty to present at academic forums and published in peer-reviewed academic journals at national and international meetings to foster opportunities for collaboration and elevate the section's profile within the larger allergy community.
  
• Provides specialized professional expertise in program management. Implements plans for educational programs and initiatives and acts as a liaison between the program and program participants.
  
• Plans and develops program objectives and/or content in partnership with PIs and other senior leadership. Researches and identifies trends and needs and establishes program directions accordingly.
  
• Serves as a resource for collecting data and conducting statistical analysis. Facilitates and promotes research projects by providing scientific or intellectual information.
  
• Provides training and mentorship of postdocs, residents, students, and research staff to improve operations and support staff development.
  
• Manages individual projects including IRB policy compliance of research projects.
  
• Prepares and presents key measures designed to assess results and progress of these projects. Leads communications with projects funders to identify and cultivate new donors and funding streams in partnership with PIs.
  
• Liaise with the Clinical Research Coordinator team of the Pediatric Clinical Trial Office to support other research studies, including assisting with consent conversations with research subjects, providing clinical research study visit supervision, and serving as a resource for Principal Investigators for subject oversight.
  
• Manages program operations and administrative functions which may include planning and scheduling, program evaluation, policy implementation, personnel administration, budget, marketing, fundraising and proposal development.
  
• Manages the dissemination, interpretation and application of program policies and recommends or makes exceptions.
  
• Acts as a researcher and planner for a wide array of efforts led by the department/division.
  
• Develops and maintains a database of peer and competitor profiles. Helps establish and maintain a database of faculty (international) research topics and international inter-institutional collaborations.
  
• 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced degree or PhD in a biological science or related field.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  
• Work independently and as part of a team and motivation to explore and apply new technologies and methods to solve complex research problems.
  
• Work simultaneously with multiple projects, prioritize competing objectives, and identify opportunities to more efficiently accomplish analytical tasks.
  

Application Documents

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

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
Yes

Health Screen Required
Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$110,000.00 - $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.

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.

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