ARC Operations Analyst

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago's Animal Resources Center (ARC) is seeking an Operations Analyst to lead dock activities, manage animal orders and shipments, and maintain inventory and USDA documentation. The role reports to the ARC Research Support Manager and collaborates with the OSRF cores to support research operations.

Responsibilities include coordinating with vendors, ensuring clean and compliant transport, and maintaining records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• 1+ years of experience in an academic and/or biomedical research environment is preferred.
• Valid Class D Illinois or Indiana driver's license; AALAS certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads operational activities related to the ARC dock, including receipt, storage and distribution of lab animal care supplies and equipment.
• Orders, receives, and inspects research animal arrivals/shipments and generates delivery reports and logs.
• Maintains inventory reorder levels and documents service continuity; coordinates with vendors and drivers.
• Ensures USDA/AAALAC compliance for transport vehicles and packaging; supports OSRF cores as needed.
• Maintains data and prepares reports/manuscripts; supports broader research operations.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Customer service orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About The Department

The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at the University of Chicago is dedicated to supporting investigators in conducting animal research while ensuring the humane and ethical care of all laboratory animals on campus. The Research Support Team manages the ARC's day-to-day operations, with a primary focus on facilities management and investigator support.

Department

BSD ARC - Research Support

About The Department

The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at the University of Chicago is dedicated to supporting investigators in conducting animal research while ensuring the humane and ethical care of all laboratory animals on campus. The Research Support Team manages the ARC's day-to-day operations, with a primary focus on facilities management and investigator support.

Job Summary

The job performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

The ARC Operations Analyst serves as the primary lead for the Animal Resources Center (ARC) Shipping and Receiving Dock, playing a key role in supporting animal research operations. Reporting to the ARC Research Support Manager, this position oversees animal ordering, receipt, and shipment, manages equipment and supply inventory, and maintains USDA documentation and quality control records. The role works closely with the Dock Technician and provides broader operational support to the Research Support Team and Office of Shared Research Facilities (OSRF) cores.

This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional to contribute to a world-class research environment.

Responsibilities

• Leads operational activities related to the ARC dock including receipt, storage and distribution of lab animal care supplies and equipment to ensure inventories are maintained and supplies are distributed to the proper facilities efficiently; communicates with facility supervisors daily regarding supply and equipment needs.
• Orders, receives, and inspects research animal arrivals/shipments and generates delivery reports, cage cards and maintains USDA documentation.
• Maintains inventory reorder levels and ensures uninterrupted service; generates required documentation and maintains supply and equipment logs to facilitate reordering. Follows up on all outstanding orders.
• Builds relationships with vendors and acts as main point of contact for inquiries regarding purchases and use of the dock.
• Responsible for inspecting and documenting ARC transport vehicles to ensure compliance with USDA and AAALAC cleanliness and safety standards; coordinates scheduling with approved drivers and ensures proper packaging of lab samples transported to and from HPL; may assist with equipment transport between campus and off-campus facilities as needed.
• Provides support to OSRF cores with coordinating movement of equipment or storage of materials when needed.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Work Experience

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

Experience

• 1+ years of experience in an academic and/or biomedical research environment.
• Prior experience in materials inventory management.

Licenses And Certifications

• Valid Class D Illinois or Indiana State Driver's License and acceptable driving record.
• AALAS certification at an level strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Proficiency and comfort with technology systems and software programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with a customer service orientation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Working Conditions

• Involves a combination of mobility between work areas and time spent in stationary positions, including standing or sitting while performing assigned duties, as well as periods of seated, computer-based work.
• Able to lift/push up to 50 lbs.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $70,000.00

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.

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.