Academic and Research Specialist

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Academic and Research Specialist works closely with a diverse group of 5–7 faculty members to support their teaching and research missions. The role requires anticipating faculty needs, understanding faculty culture, and providing effective solutions to faculty, research assistants, and other members of the community. The Specialist participates in professional meetings to discuss research and academic goals and implementation strategies, and applies strong analytical and administrative skills while collaborating with faculty, faculty support staff, PhD students, and University visitors. Initiative, creativity, and enthusiasm are important to success. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored employment authorization. The Specialist supports teaching by preparing course materials, maintaining course sites and digital reserves, reviewing problem sets and exams, overseeing teaching assistants, responding to student questions, and entering grades in accordance with FERPA requirements. Research support includes data preparation and analysis, manuscript and document preparation, literature reviews, publication submissions, grant proposals, and coordination of research labs, equipment, supplies, and research support staff. The role also supports events and visitors, including research seminars, conferences, and meetings; manages budgets and financial processes; maintains faculty and class web pages; monitors compliance with University and Booth policies; and may assist other offices and research centers. The position is currently expected to work at least three days per week in the office, with occasional evening and weekend work as needed.

Requirements

College or university degree in a related field.
2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Ability to work at least three days per week in the office; occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
Maintain confidentiality of student and faculty information.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, time-sensitive, high-output environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree also preferred.
Mastery of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Exposure to content management and learning management tools such as Canvas.
Ability to learn tools such as LaTeX and Stata.
Understanding of academia and higher education in a research and teaching environment.
Interest in a business school environment, grants and proposals, and research or lab work.
High degree of professionalism; excellent service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
Outstanding problem-solving and analytical skills.
Knowledge of research techniques and methods.
Ability to work independently, proactively, courteously, efficiently, and tactfully, using sound judgment in a fast-paced environment with diverse populations.
Ability to understand faculty needs and culture and deliver effective solutions.
Familiarity with a research environment.

Responsibilities

Create and prepare course materials, including Canvas sites, digital course reserves, handouts, and PowerPoint slides.
Analyze, validate, and evaluate drafts of problem sets and exams for clarity and accuracy, recommending changes as needed.
Calculate and validate advanced mathematical formulas and equations.
Oversee and manage teaching assistants on behalf of faculty.
Respond to students’ course-related questions and concerns.
Enter grades under delegated faculty authority while complying with FERPA privacy guidelines.
Provide technical and administrative support for faculty research, including obtaining and cleaning datasets, preparing and editing manuscripts and other documents, supporting publication submissions, and assisting with grant proposals.
Manage or support research labs and centers, including research assistant time management, study supplies, hardware, and software.
Orient or coordinate research support staff and students as needed.
Conduct literature reviews and analyze data using statistical or specialized software.
Serve as a resource and ambassador for Booth guests before, during, and after campus visits.
Manage research seminars, conferences, and meetings, including vendor selection, budget projections, and budget reconciliation.
Manage day-to-day financial and support services for the faculty group; develop budgets, monitor and reconcile accounts, process invoices and reimbursements, and prepare grant financial reports as needed.
Create, edit, and maintain class and faculty personal web pages.
Assist other office staff, the Dean’s Office, and collaborating research centers as needed.
Monitor financial and budgetary activities, including vendor contracts, and prepare and monitor a unit budget.
Research and analyze data to create reports, including reports for grants and contracts.
Ensure compliance with relevant Booth, University, and other policies and guidelines.
Perform other related work as needed.