Department

PME Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next growth phase as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs. 

STAGE (Scientists, Technologists and Artists Generating Exploration) is a Center embedded within the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME). The Center creates and develops new theatre and film/new media work inspired by science and technology, and explores telling these stories in new ways by using technology in the staging and creation of its productions. Rather than science lectures disguised as plays/films, STAGE creates emotionally engaging, entertaining stories that happen to be about science and technology.

Job Summary

The Director of Science reports to the Director of STAGE and is the lead advisor and manager of all scientific matters. The Director is responsible for providing a high level of creative and strategic input on the creation, development, and presentation of all STAGE projects, as well as a high level of participation in their execution. The Director of Science monitors a team of student staff and is responsible for executing artistic direction of the theatre. The Director is also responsible for developing theatre repertoire, long- and short-term programs, the artistic and production resources necessary to implement programs, and represents the University to the local and national theatre community.

Responsibilities

Engages as an active collaborator in theatrical projects and participates in several aspects of the development of the theatre work, commensurate with skill set (improvisations, technical design, etc.) Assists collaborators from various backgrounds in understanding the central ideas behind the scientific themes of the theatre and film/new media work, identifying the emotional essence of these themes, and creating an engaging narrative.Communicates closely with science and engineering labs to identify potential collaborators and new project ideas. Evaluates, develops, and implements the Quantum Games project by advising students and the scientific team, presenting to external audiences and stakeholders, and collaborating with game designers.Recruits, guides, and mentors postdoctoral scholars and students at various levels (undergraduate, graduate, and fellows) for independent study, REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) programs, research internships, professional development internships, etc., to participate in various projects of the STAGE Lab.Advises quantum influencers (social media) on content creation techniques as well as distribution to untapped talent pools and communities.Represents STAGE as a truly interdisciplinary art-science-technology beyond traditional boundaries of theatre/film/new media and science, and imagine new ways of creating art-science-technology collaborations.Suggests and implements methods to cultivate, enhance, and adapt STAGE Lab’s unique work process so that it achieves both short-term and long-term goals.Fosters the growth of STAGE, identifies and pursues new directions in a hybrid art-science-technology world with creativity, motivation, and excitement. Advises on new programs and helps in planning and execution with a high level of attention to detail.Operates successfully within the academic work culture to assist/further collaborations with various other departments/centers/programs within the University and with other universities and organizations both nationally and internationally.Identifies and coordinates new funding/grant/resource development opportunities within the University and other academic/higher education/project grants as a co-author or author.Expands the brand identity of STAGE and in non-traditional formats to engage new audiences.Presents talks, lectures, and workshops on STAGE’s projects and work process nationally and internationally to a wide range of audiences, including academics, youth, funding agencies, and the broader public.Furthers U.S. and international collaborations that are aligned with STAGE’s mission and projects. Identifies and actively pursues appropriate distribution/dissemination channels for STAGE’s work to have the broadest impact, such as conferences/productions/web platforms/publications, etc.Imagines new ways of making science relevant with the help of theatre, film/new media, and technology. Generates and reviews marketing and internal/external communication for clarity and accuracy of scientific content.Tracks progress, conducts analysis, as well as prepares for and facilitates project meetings. Ensures adherence to quality standards and reviews project deliverables.Acts as a resource for a project team and provides analytical guidance. Interprets complex project issues and provides analytical guidance to a project team.Coordinates the successful integration of vendor tasks and tracks and reviews vendor deliverables.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 Qualification

Experience:

Demonstrated scientific, leadership, and professional experience.A minimum of five years of professional work experience in a scientific lab, university department, or institutional entity.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Proficiency in a foreign language is a plus.

Preferred Competencies

Demonstrated record of working collaboratively and communicating effectively with a variety of constituencies, including students.Familiarity and/or strong personal interest in the arts and the theatrical environment.Background in a multicultural environment.Alignment with STAGE’s philosophy and dedication to a respectful, creative, and positive atmosphere.Excellent communication skills and interact professionally with all levels of staff and external contacts in a fast-paced environment.Excellent organization and time management skills.Creative, organized, motivated, team player.Excellent interpersonal skills.Respond promptly, directly, and effectively to internal and external inquiries and service requests.Manage competing demandsStrong interdisciplinary interests in a wide variety of science and technology fields and curate research to inspire topics for theatrical/film/new media projects and productions.Excellent supervisory/management/mentoring skills.Create and deliver concise informational presentations.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter (required)References Contact Information (3)(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

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$115,000.00 - $125,000.00

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.

 

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