Senior Research Manager
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Department
UL Crime Ed Lab Sr. Research Management

About the Department
Who We Are
In cities across the country, people face high rates of gun violence, under-resourced schools, and social harms associated with the criminal justice system -- all of which disproportionately impact people of color. These inequalities have profound consequences on public safety and opportunity. As a society we have failed to address these challenges, in part, because of our lack of understanding of the most effective and cost-effective solutions that can have a real impact on people's lives. We believe that rigorous research can help.

The University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab partner with cities and communities to use data and rigorous research to design, test, and scale programs and policies that enhance public safety, improve educational outcomes, and advance justice. Our mission is to combine world-class data science and research, in partnership with government agencies, to substantially improve the effectiveness of the public sector and achieve impact at scale.

The Role
The UChicago Crime Lab and Education Lab are seeking a Senior Research Manager to manage research projects and individual staff working on our research and technical assistance projects. Our projects are designed to evaluate programs and initiatives tackling gun violence, policing and the criminal justice system, and education inequity. Working closely with the Associate Director of Project Management, the Senior Research Manager will work on a portfolio of projects and supervise project management staff across both the Crime Lab and Education Lab. In addition, the role will establish procedures and provide guidance for regular research management activities including managing partner relationships, planning out projects, developing budgets, writing IRB protocols, working with funders, partners, and stakeholders, and will support the growth and development of the broader project management team.

Job Summary
The job manages scientific research projects or scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences.

Responsibilities

• Manages a portfolio of projects that may include rigorous social science evaluations and technical assistance data analysis projects; coordinates with project team members, PIs, external partners, and stakeholders to push projects forward and achieve research goals.
  
• Supervises project management staff, including entry-level Project Associates and mid-level Research Managers, who themselves project-manage portfolios of projects, and provides guidance on professional development, goal setting, and lab- or organization-wide opportunities.
  
• Working with the Associate Director of Project Management, creates, implements, and maintains the project management resources necessary to the success of the CL/EL Project Management team.
  
• Supports the hiring processes for Project Associates, Research Managers, and interns. Works closely with the Director of Programs and AD of Project Management to establish hiring goals and make final hiring decisions; collaborates with the Talent Manager on recruitment and processes.
  
• Contributes to study design and coordinates implementation options with program partners; may manage subject selection and randomization process; travel to program sites to monitor and assess implementation/progress.
  
• Oversees University of Chicago IRB procedures and maintains confidentiality of participant information; ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
  
• Develops budgets and coordinates grant submission, monitoring, and reporting.
  
• Assists with internal coordination and management of data requests to partner agencies.
  
• Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.
  
• Presents research findings at meetings and conferences, as well as to funding agencies. Conducts literature reviews. Develops and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.
  
• 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

Experience:

• Experience managing others, either through project management or direct supervision.
  
• Experience project managing teams to achieve a common goal.
  
• Experience developing and managing project budgets.
  
• Experience writing and managing amendments to initial IRB protocols.
  
• Experience developing fundraising proposals for multiple funding sources, including private foundations and federal agencies.
  
• Experience with quantitative data analysis to support the research design.
  
• Previous experience working in a research organization or managing research projects.
  
• Previous fieldwork experience.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Adept at problem solving and taking initiative; understands when to manage up, when to take initiative, and when to delegate.
  
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
  
• Ability to connect with people, motivate them, and help them grow.
  
• Thinks analytically and seeks ground truth.
  
• Builds team cohesion; values all viewpoints, gets the most from team members.
  
• Drives progress by getting things done and pushing others to get things done.
  
• Strong communication skills; able to effectively and clearly communicate technical and non-technical information to a variety of stakeholders.
  
• Thorough and detail-oriented in completing tasks; produces high-quality deliverables.
  
• Demonstrates sound judgement on projects and in personnel matters.
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
  
• Cover letter (required)
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
Research

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

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$70,975.00 - $91,850.00
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 Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.

Staff 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.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

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.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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