The University of Chicago

Department

PSD Enrico Fermi Institute: Faculty Support

About the Department

The Existential Risk Laboratory (XLab) is a new initiative based within the Physical Sciences Division. The Lab aims to catalyze novel research activity by serving as a convening locus at the University as well as supporting research groups for the interdisciplinary field of existential risk studies. XLab additionally supports outreach and education for undergraduates through its summer research fellowship, educational events, and curricular development efforts.

Job Summary

The XLab Project Coordinator plays a vital role in facilitating student research projects at the Existential Risk Laboratory (XLab). This position involves a diverse range of responsibilities including assisting in the organization, planning, and management of student research endeavors, as well as with the administration of the summer research fellowship program. The Project Coordinator will also be responsible for creating compelling copy for various platforms such as the website and announcement materials. A significant part of the role includes providing support and guidance to undergraduates in their research planning and execution. Additionally, the Project Coordinator will assist in organizing and executing XLab workshops and events, and actively identify and support talented students who show promise in contributing to XLab's goals. This position is expected to last approximately six months, but may be extended based on project or grant funding. This position is part-time at approximately 25 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Take a leading role in the planning and execution of XLab workshops and events. This includes venue setup, coordinating with speakers or presenters, and ensuring smooth running of the events.
• Proactively seek out students with potential and interest in XLab's initiatives. Provide them with the necessary support and resources to foster their talents and align them with XLab's objectives.
• Assist with the development and execution of student research projects. This includes coordinating with academic staff and students to ensure projects are on track, resources are adequately allocated, and objectives are met.
• Coordinate the logistical and administrative aspects of the summer research fellowship program. Responsibilities include scheduling, communicating with participants, and ensuring a productive and enriching experience for all fellows.
• Provide support to undergraduates in planning and organizing their research activities.
• Craft engaging and informative content for announcements, website updates, introductory materials, and other communications.
• Assists with researching funding opportunities, preparing grant proposals, and drafting and/or editing other written materials with moderate to high levels of guidance.
• May assist with other administrative projects as needed and acquire higher level guidance and skills.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in related field.

Experience:

• Knowledge and skills developed through similar work experience.
• Writing in a dominant position, such as for websites, journalism, or communications.
• Knowledge of national security policy and norms, global catastrophic risk studies, or other security-related field.
• Experience as a teaching assistant or similar experience evaluating student work and providing feedback.

Preferred Competencies

• Familiarity with Office Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Comfort in using online meeting platforms (Zoom, Teams, etc.).
• Familiarity with online sharing tools (Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.).
• Basic HTML for updating websites.
• Familiarity with basic AV equipment (cameras, mics, recording controls).

Working Conditions

• May work occasional evenings and weekends.

Application Documents

• CV/Resume (required)
• References (preferred)

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

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

25

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

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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