Job Description:

• Oversees the creation, development, selection, implementation, and administration of programs and services for postdoctoral researchers. Services include orientation, onboarding (and offboarding) programs, leadership in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) program and other offerings promoting the welfare and advancement of the postdoctoral population; programs include mentoring workshops, health and wellness activities, and opportunities for postdocs to connect with faculty beyond their PI. 
• Provides leadership, strategic vision, and management of short-and long- term operations and goals related to postdoctoral training, support, policies and procedures, and fellowships and funding.
• Manages program budgets and expense allocations to achieve maximum impact and return on investment.
• Works closely with the Senior Associate Dean for Education and Strategy to develop and update quarterly and annual reports in the areas of postdoc affairs.
• Manages the PME Postdoctoral Association by leading quarterly meetings, supporting postdoc-initiated social activities, providing guidance on University post-doctoral policies and procedures, identifying funding opportunities, managing communications channels and helping to raise collective concerns with divisional and University leadership.
• Partners closely with the PME Director of Career Development and other University offices to prepare postdoctoral scholars for a competitive employment market and to connect them to employment opportunities through career advising, job search and interviewing resources, career development workshops, and professional seminars.  Engages potential employers to promote the PME, its research, and its postdoctoral researchers.
• Works with relevant University and PME stakeholders to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the postdoc community.
• Represents PME at regional and discipline-specific postdoctoral marketing/recruiting strategies and events.  Strategically partners with administrators and faculty in other divisions and universities to raise awareness of PME research and postdoctoral opportunities. 
• Develops postdoc marketing and recruitment strategies in collaboration with the Communication and Marketing Manager for Student Engagement.
• Provides resources to assist faculty in the recruitment and retention of a diverse body of high-quality postdoctoral researchers.  
• Develops and maintains the PME Postdoctoral Handbook.  Manages the PME Postdoctoral website, overseeing all editorial content.  
• Initiates, designs, and manages monthly communications to the postdoc community regarding opportunities, programming, and relevant news. Establishes and maintains communication with postdoctoral researchers to develop a functional community promoting research collaborations and PME affinity.
• Partners to offer training and workshops for faculty and staff who mentor and interact with postdocs.  Offers consultation and conflict resolution for postdocs and their mentors.
• Writes and submits grant proposals to obtain funds to enhance postdoctoral resources, programming, and career exploration opportunities.
• Advises constituents, inclusive of faculty, lecturers, graduate students, or postdocs on various aspects of scholarly development.
• Serves as institutional contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• PhD in STEM, higher education administration, or a related field is desirable.

Experience:

• Experience as a postdoctoral researcher.
• Administering or working administratively as part of a campus-wide program.
• Understanding of personnel supervision, management, and development.
• Advocating for and fostering career and professional development of postdoctoral researchers and early career professionals.
• Demonstrated record of achievement in leadership positions associated with postdoctoral career and professional development.
• Grant proposal writing and reporting.
• Possess a working knowledge of U.S. rules with respect to international scholars.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Experience in data management and analysis.
• Experience in using social media.
• Proficient with Adobe and Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Competencies

• Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to prioritize assignments to accommodate workload and deadlines.
• Effectively communicate with faculty, postdocs and other research scientists, and various administrative offices at all levels in the University.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Analytical skills.
• Meet deadlines.
• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Proactively resolve problems.
• Work independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.
• Occasional extended work hours and some weekend days.
• Work non-traditional work hours in order to meet deadlines.
• Eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.

Application Documents

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

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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About University of Chicago (UC)

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