Operations Architect for a Cutting-Edge Research Lab

uchicago; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 86,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago's SSD Knowledge Lab seeks an experienced Assistant Director of Operations to serve as the operational backbone of the lab. This role focuses on designing scalable systems, automating processes, and providing real-time financial and HR dashboards to support research initiatives.

You will oversee budgets, grants, onboarding of postdocs, visas, and collaboration with SSD and university offices to keep operations compliant and efficient while enabling discovery-driven work.

Qualifications

• Education: A college or university degree in a related field.
• Work Experience: 5-7 years of experience in business, research, or academic operations and administration.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement organizational systems and automated processes.
• Own budgets, expenditures, and compliance with grants and university requirements.
• Maintain real-time HR dashboards including visas, onboarding, and renewals.
• Coordinate onboarding of postdoctoral researchers, staff, and visiting scholars with university offices.
• Develop and maintain lab-wide financial reporting and grant tracking systems.
• Support proposals, pre- and post-award activities, and communications with SSD and university teams.

Skills

Operational systems

Budgeting

Data visualization

HR dashboards

Visa sponsorship

AI-enabled systems

Automation

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Chorus AI Assistant

Spreadsheets/Reporting tools

Job description

The University of Chicago's SSD Knowledge Lab seeks an experienced Assistant Director of Operations to serve as the operational backbone of the lab. This role focuses on designing scalable systems, automating processes, and providing real-time financial and HR dashboards to support research initiatives.

You will oversee budgets, grants, onboarding of postdocs, visas, and collaboration with SSD and university offices to keep operations compliant and efficient while enabling discovery-driven work.