Lab Manager

Job Summary

The Chemistry department is currently looking for a highly motivated, experienced lead administrative staff member to Prof. Paul Alivisatos's Research Laboratory at the University of Chicago. Prof. Alivisatos research concerns the structural, thermodynamic, optical, and electrical properties of colloidal inorganic nanocrystals. This position provides high-level administrative and project management support while performing a diverse range of routine and specialized tasks related to grants, personnel, finances, student support and mentorship, laboratory safety and compliance, communication, and reporting. A familiarity with the issues and science behind nanocrystals would be helpful but is not necessary.

In this exciting role, the Lab Manager will serve an integral function within the lab to ensure smooth operation of day-to-day activities and support various elements of program planning and delivery, including managing information systems, ensuring continual and efficient information flow among program participants, budget development and tracking for various project funders.

Responsibilities

• Provides high-level administrative and project management support to the research group, ensuring that all aspects of the research program are executed through careful management of deadlines and personnel.
• Organizes and manages laboratory operations as a delegate of Professor Alivisatos, ensuring that there is consistent communication, direction, and coordination of all staff, students and postdocs contributing to the laboratory.
• Independently solves complex problems in collaboration with the appropriate administrative offices including matters involving student affairs, safety protocols, procurement, and budgeting.
• Coordinates the execution of critical high-level communications including drafting letters of recommendation and coordinating with the support staff within the President's office to ensure they are submitted in a timely manner.
• Supervises a business administrator to ensure that scheduling, purchases, reimbursements, and booking travel arrangements for members of the laboratory are executed correctly and in a timely manner.
• Work closely with the PI to plan and write grants to obtain additional funding.
• Manage program deliverables (e.g., manuscript submissions and progress reports); guide the development of project scopes and schedules.
• Serves as a liaison to the appropriate department administrator regarding administrative issues such as finances, academic personnel, and communications.
• Provides guidance, direction and support to students and postdocs in the laboratory, helping to set the tone to ensure the environment in the laboratory is productive and collaborative and working as a delegate of Prof. Alivisatos to help resolve any concerns.
• Implement strict adherence to environment, safety, and health (ES&H) policies during all experimental operations (including chemical inventory, chemical hazards, and chemical waste disposal SOPs, protocols, and policies).
• Provides supplementary mentorship (either formally or informally) to staff or students as needed, including advice and guidance on techniques, as well as consultation on project work.
• Directs lab members to appropriate resources and required trainings as needed.
• Maintains a significant presence in the lab every day, modelling a strong collaborative approach built on teamwork and regular in-person engagement.
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of University protocols, policies, processes, and technology platforms; fosters a culture of continuous improvement and compliance.
• Creates and executes a structured onboarding program for new members of the research group, ensuring they are set up to succeed and briefed on all relevant protocols within the laboratory.
• Oversees laboratory safety, ensuring all personnel are responsive to and following appropriate protocols, processes, and guidance in collaboration with the Office of Research Safety.
• Oversee execution and delivery of procurement services including developing procurement documents, justifications, appropriate approvals on major procurements, the management of payment schedules, invoices.
• Develops and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria.
• Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Has a deep understanding when interacting 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience in an academic environment.
• Experience overseeing projects, working with multiple stakeholders to ensure deadlines are met.
• Experience providing guidance and mentorship to students.
• Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach.
• Grant writing and grant management experience.
• Experience with laboratory safety protocols.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent strategic planning, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated, results-oriented leader who anticipates organizational needs.
• Demonstrated ability to influence others and collaborate with senior leadership, colleagues, and constituents.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Thoughtful decision-making and the discretion to handle confidential information.
• Commitment to high-quality service and teamwork.
• Commitment to the values and principles of the University of Chicago.