Academic and Research Specialist

TITLE: Academic and Research Specialist

GENERAL SUMMARY: The Academic and Research Specialist works closely with a diverse group of 5-7 faculty to further the faculty mission of teaching and research. The specialist must understand and anticipate faculty needs, understand faculty culture, and deliver effective solutions to individual faculty, research assistants, and other members of the community. Must participate in professional meetings to discuss research and academic goals and implementation strategies. Strong analytical and administrative skills are used to maintain relations with faculty, and are a high priority in supporting and collaborating with faculty, faculty support staff, PhD students, and university visitors.High levels of initiative, creativity, and enthusiasm are keys to success

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PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. :
   Further the faculty mission of teaching through the creation and preparation of course materials including Canvas (course management) sites, digital course reserves, course materials, handouts, and PowerPoint slides. Analyze, validate and evaluate drafts of problem sets and exams to ensure clarity and accuracy, and recommend changes as necessary.The Academic and Research Specialist must be able to calculate and validate advanced math formulas/equations; have possession of a general understanding of basic concepts as they relate to economics is useful. Oversee and manage teaching assistants on behalf of faculty in a manner consistent with faculty requirements. Respond to students on a wide variety of concerns and course-related questions. Enter grades with delegated authority from faculty members, ensuring FERPA privacy guidelines are m
2. et.Further the faculty research mission by providing technical and administrative support for primary research: includes pulling data sets and cleaning data; preparation of manuscripts and other documents; editing documents for clarity; navigation of paper submission process with publishers; management of research labs or centers (for example, RA time management, ordering/coordinating research study supplies, and managing hardware and software used for studies) and grant proposals; may orient or coordinate the work of research support staff and students; conduction of literary reviews which require the ability to research similar bodies of work in the marketplace which will serve as a foundation for new research by faculty; and analysis of data using statistical software and/or specialized softwa
3. re.Act as an ambassador for Booth and a resource for guests before, during, and after their visits to campus. Assume responsibility for ensuring highest quality event management for events such as research seminars, conferences, and meetings. Oversee and reconcile budget (through vendor selection, budget projections, and general checks and balances within the budget) for workshops and even
4. ts.Manages day-to-day operation of faculty group, primarily in the areas of financial and support services management. Ensures compliance with relevant Booth, University and other policies and guidelines. Develops budgets for workshops and events. Monitors and reconciles accounts. Oversight management of the day-to-day financial processes, payment of invoices, and processing of reimbursements. May develop financial reporting for grants. Create, edit, and maintain class web pages and faculty personal web pages, utilizing advanced computer skills in web page manageme
5. nt.May provide assistance to other office staff, such as Deans’ Office during recruiting and research centers with which the faculty collaborate, to ensure efficiently running organization support to all faculty. Supervisor will assist in determining some faculty needs, and may assign tasks as needed on behalf of faculty and the Faculty Services offi

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REPORTS TO: Senior Associate Director of Faculty Support, Faculty Serv

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQU

1. IRED:Bachelor’s degree required with at least three years of relevant work experience OR a Master’s degree with at least one year of relevant work experience required. Master’s degree pref
2. erredUnderstanding of academia and higher education in a research and teaching environment/culture prefe
3. rred.Interest in business school environment, grants/proposals, and research/lab work prefe
4. rred.High degree of professionalism requ
5. ired.Excellent service, communication, and interpersonal skills requ
6. ired.Superior organizational skills and constant attention to detail requ
7. ired.Outstanding problem solving and analytical skills requ
8. ired.Knowledge of research techniques and methods prefe
9. rred.Proven ability to work independently, proactively, courteously, efficiently, and tactfully, using sound judgment, in a fast-paced environment with diverse populations requ
10. ired.Demonstrated skill managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, time sensitive, high output environment requ
11. ired.Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and faculty information requ
12. ired.Ability to understand faculty needs and faculty culture, while also being able to deliver effective solutions to individual faculty, requ
13. ired.Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, as needed, requ
14. ired.Mastery of Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook requ
15. ired.Exposure to content management and learning management (such as Canvas) tools prefe
16. rred.Familiarity with a research environment prefe
17. rred.Ability to learn tools such as LaTeX and Stata requ

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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 Nondiscrimin