Associate Director, CIIC

Department

PME Immunoengineering Center

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Job Summary

The Chicago Immunoengineering Innovation Center (CIIC) applies engineering principles to gain a deeper understanding of immune system function and develop innovative solutions to tackle immunological challenges in human health. The Associate Director manages the activities, resources, and research infrastructure of the CIIC.

Responsibilities

• Helps develop and execute the strategic plan for the CIIC, encompassing scientific priorities, research infrastructure, funding strategies, communications, and partnerships.
• Serves as liaison between the CIIC and the Immunoengineering and Bioengineering Institute to align strategic research goals, optimize shared infrastructure, and programming.  

• Partners with faculty to identify appropriate federal and private grant opportunities, develop competitive proposals, and develop and maintain detailed knowledge of faculty research interests and strengths. Serves as liaison to PME and University administrative offices and external agencies; engages with federal, non-profit, philanthropic, and corporate sources.

• Manages the Immunoengineering Postdoctoral Training (ImEPosT) T32 Program (NIH grant), ensuring the program runs on budget and all postdoctoral fellows complete training objectives in a timely fashion.

• Ensures compliance with requirements of funding sources, such as submitting program plans, providing progress reports, and final reports.

• Provides data analysis, updates, and regular reports on CIIC programs and initiatives, and other reports on request from the CIIC leadership.

• In collaboration with the PME Marketing and Communications team, develops and executes a communications plan for enhancing visibility of the CIIC to both external and internal audiences.

• Organizes and implements immunoengineering-oriented programming for faculty and trainees, such as Works-in-Progress Seminars, Grant Writing Workshops, fundraising activities, and alumni/industry workshops.

• Facilitates joint academic and community programming, including co-sponsored symposia, workshops, and working groups, to enhance the visibility, scientific synergy, and translational impact of Chicago's immunoengineering ecosystem.

• Improves CIIC program delivery and designs innovative initiatives that expand program reach.

• Oversees the development and maintenance of shared research infrastructure, focusing on shared user and core facilities, and manages affiliated staff.

• Manages program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.
• 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.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate degree in bioengineering, immunology, or a related field.

Experience:

• Scientific writing and/or grant and proposal development experience.

• Familiarity with the higher education environment.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Effective time management and organizational skills; remain attentive to details while handling multiple concurrent tasks and during high-demand periods.

• Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills.

• Work independently with a high degree of initiative.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• References Contact Information (3) (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

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

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$100,000.00 - $110,000.00

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.

 

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