Program Operations Analyst

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

1d•$60,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Program Operations Analyst supports the development and operation of biomedical data and software platforms used by researchers working to advance cancer genomics. Reporting to the co-Principal Investigator and partnering closely with technical leads, the analyst contributes to planning, delivery, and communication across scientific, engineering, and operational teams and serves as a point of contact for external partners. The role helps shape project and roadmap plans, identify dependencies and risks, and keep data and software releases on track. It involves coordinating people and information, preparing clear reports and proposals, and working with business operations and finance as needed. The analyst collaborates with the team to consider open questions and develop practical solutions, while gaining familiarity with the software development lifecycle, data center infrastructure management, cancer genomics, and the use of shared data in research. This position is suited to a curious, organized, analytical person who enjoys problem-solving, takes initiative, and is interested in the intersection of research and technology. The at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding; continued employment depends on receipt of those funds and satisfactory job performance.

Requirements

College or university degree in a related field.
Two to five years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Knowledge and skills developed through the required education and work experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in or alongside software development teams, such as in developer, product, QA, technical support, or data roles, and familiarity with how software is built and released.
Experience working with customers, users, or partners and understanding their needs and finding solutions.
Experience coordinating projects, events, or programs, including planning timelines, addressing obstacles, and supporting decision-making.
Experience improving team organization and synthesizing information into clear, actionable reports.
Experience with complex fields or systems such as science, healthcare, technology, finance, or engineering, including learning unfamiliar concepts and processes.
Coursework or professional experience in biology, genetics, cancer biology, or a related science.
Curiosity and ability to learn new concepts in cancer genomics, research, and technology, adopt software and tools, ask insightful questions, and seek knowledge beyond assigned tasks.
Analytical and problem-solving skills, initiative, and ability to structure ambiguous situations, identify gaps or risks, and develop practical solutions with the team.
Ability to understand how contracts, timelines, teams, and deliverables connect and contribute ideas to improve processes.
Strong organization and attention to detail, including tracking tasks, adapting to changing priorities, following up, and catching errors.
Ability to organize and facilitate meetings, capture decisions, owners, and next steps, and recognize when further coordination is needed.
Clear, concise verbal and written communication, including communicating updates and raising risks, blockers, and delays early for different audiences.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with scientists, engineers, and administrators.
Dependability and ability to build trust with external collaborators and partners through consistent follow-through.
Sound judgment, discretion with confidential information, and ability to know when to act independently or seek guidance.
Willingness to take on increasing responsibility, act on feedback, learn from mistakes, and continuously improve.

Responsibilities

Support team planning for roadmaps and priorities, anticipating dependencies and risks.
Coordinate project meetings and collaborations, including scheduling, identifying the need for discussion or cross-team coordination, and following up on decisions and action items through completion.
Participate in data and software release processes by planning releases, tracking progress, helping resolve blockers, assessing schedule impacts, and communicating status, risks, and potential delays.
Assist with project documentation and reporting on activities, risks, and deliverables, including hardware asset tracking.
Help prepare proposals and other program materials with technical teams, business operations, and finance.
Serve as a point of contact for external inquiries by triaging requests, finding answers, and drafting clear updates.
Gain hands-on experience with the software development lifecycle and familiarity with cancer genomics and the role of shared data in research, with opportunities to contribute to more complex work as skills develop.
Coordinate events, research logistics, assist with planning and preparing presentations and event outreach, and prepare post-event write-ups.
Research funding opportunities; prepare grant proposals; and draft or edit other written materials with moderate guidance.
Assist with administrative projects and develop skills with higher-level guidance.
Perform other related work as needed.