Managing Director, Molecule Maker Lab Institute - Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
University of Illinois

Job Info

Managing Director, Molecule Maker Lab Institute (MMLI)
Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
Closes June 3, 2024

The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology is seeking a Managing Director for the Molecule Maker Lab Institute. The Managing Director will manage, coordinate, and organize the Molecule Maker Lab Institute (MMLI); an NSF Artificial Intelligence and machine learning institute for Molecular Discovery, Synthetic Strategy, and Molecule Manufacturing at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Duties and Responsibilities
• Compile and provide monthly quarterly research highlight reports and annual progress report to sponsor; liaise with the NSF Program Managers. Leverage resources, expertise, and experience across projects, including specific operational strategies for budget creation, forecasting, purchasing and invoice approval, process improvement, and strategic planning. Develop, monitor, and evaluate research budgets for each PI.

• Organize and manage project teams, which involves fostering collaborations, convening and facilitating meetings, creating action plans and timelines, establishing goals, roles, and responsibilities. Assist institute director to supervise the Research Assistant Professors including task assignment, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback, career development planning, leave/travel approval, and conducting annual performance evaluation. Advise the institute director and Executive Committee on new developing research initiatives to assist in the evaluation of ongoing and future research projects.

• Oversee, lead, and provide strategic input for Executive Committee, Advisory and Governance Boards meetings, annual research retreats, annual symposium, and sponsor site visits. Develop and maintain strong relationships with MMLI scientists as well as with the NSF program managers to ensure alignment and execution of objectives. Attend and participate in sponsor-led national conferences and workshops.

• Develop and implement processes and procedures ensuring the protocols continue to meet high standards and retain appropriate certifications and approve all altered or new policies and procedures for the institute. Responsible for the development and justification of the institute's current and future equipment, facility, and staff requirements. Coordinate data management, IP, and material transfers across all internal and external partners.

• Develop and implement MMLI management procedures. Manage and ensure university and regulatory compliance of the institute's facility. Participate in the design and modification of research protocols. Troubleshoot and resolve research, protocol, and SOP issues and advise institute director on emerging risks.

• Supervise staff member(s) within the Institute.

• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in chemistry, computer science, engineering, or related STEM fields of study. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted if accompanied by equivalent experience, depending upon the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Supervisory experience required. Minimum 4 years progressively more responsible research experience in an academic or professional research setting, and minimum 2 years research administration experience required.

Preferred Qualifications
PhD degree in chemistry, computer science, engineering, or related STEM fields of study. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted if accompanied by equivalent experience, depending upon the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Five or more years of relevant experience in research setting, with 3 or more of these years at the management level preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Broad knowledge of scientific principles.
• The ability to work independently and take initiative when needed.
• The ability to identify problems and develop solutions.
• Excellent organizational skills to ensure smooth functioning of the institute.
• Ability to exercise independent discretion and judgment to solve problems is important, as well as prioritize effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent oral and written communications.
• Ability to accurately analyze information and numerical data and make strategic decisions having cross-organizational impacts while serving as a technical resource for project teams.
• Must be organized, self-directed, can handle a variety of tasks in a matrix environment.
• Possess strong and poised interpersonal, communication and relationship building skills.
• Ability to supervise others, encouraging success of team members.
• Ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally with internal and external parties.
• Familiarity with computational and statistical methods, ability to summarize and interpret results of statistical analysis and data quality checking through graphical and tabular figures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office suite.

Appointment Information

This is a full-time (100%) Academic Professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The minimum salary for the Managing Director, MMLI position is $76,000. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 PM on June 3, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jana Lenz at janalenz@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1024608
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu