Biomanufacturing Operations Coordinator
The University of Chicago

Department

BSD DFI - cGMP

About the Department

The Duchossois Family Institute (DFI) at the University of Chicago is using cutting-edge technologies and developing facilities to accelerate research and introduce novel interventions that optimize microbiome-mediated host defenses, with the goal of enhancing health. By developing new knowledge about the interactions between the human body and the microbiome, the DFI is breaking new ground that will lead to therapies that increase resistance to a wide range of diseases.

Job Summary

The Biomanufacturing Operations Coordinator manages the day-to-day business operation of our current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) facility in the Duchossois Family Institute. The incumbent performs a range of professional activities in support of research, clinical, and educational missions and related operations and projects. The ideal candidate will provide comprehensive day-to-day administrative support to the cGMP operations team and play a vital role in maintaining smooth day-to-day business operations.

Responsibilities

Operations Management:

• Oversees the coordination and execution of daily, weekly, and monthly operational tasks, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
  
• Serves as the primary liaison for operations-related inquiries, facilitating seamless communication and problem-solving across teams.
  
• Drives inventory management strategies, overseeing procurement and ensuring the availability of critical supplies and reagents to support operational continuity.
  
• Leads the coordination of high-impact meetings and events, ensuring objectives are met and stakeholders are effectively engaged.
  

Financial Oversight and Resource Management:

• Provides strategic oversight of the department's financial activities, including budget development, expense tracking, and adherence to spending limits, while offering regular financial insights to senior leadership.
  
• Executes procurement strategies for inventory, ensuring cost-effective purchasing and tracking to optimize resource allocation.
  
• Streamlines financial processes by managing check requests, invoice processing, and budgetary compliance, contributing to fiscal responsibility and transparency.
  

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance:

• Manages and enhances the accuracy of facility equipment records, ensuring timely calibrations and preventive maintenance, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
  
• Leads the coordination of employee training programs, ensuring that all training documentation is meticulously recorded in the QMS and that the department remains audit-ready.
  
• Provides expert support during compliance audits, leveraging deep knowledge of regulatory requirements and organizational protocols.
  

Process Optimization and Innovation:

• Employs advanced analytical skills to assess and refine operational processes, driving continuous improvement and innovation across the department.
  
• Leads high-impact projects and initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and achieve strategic objectives.
  

Stakeholder Communication and Relationship Management:

• Acts as a key liaison between the department and other university departments, fostering strong interdepartmental relationships and ensuring the alignment of goals.
  
• Manages the flow of critical information across business units, ensuring stakeholders are informed and engaged.
  
• Oversees the maintenance and strategic development of the departmental website and social media presence, enhancing the department's digital footprint and stakeholder engagement.
  

Executive Administrative Support:

• Partners with senior leadership to deliver comprehensive administrative support, including managing complex schedules, facilitating recruitment efforts, and overseeing onboarding and off-boarding processes.
  
• Maintains and optimizes document management systems to ensure readiness for audits and regulatory compliance.
  
• Proactively updates organizational charts and communication channels, ensuring the efficient flow of information within the team.
  

Standard Responsibilities:

• Sets and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
  
• Analyzes program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.
  
• Has moderate/high levels of interactions with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
  
• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with visitors, vendors, and team members.
  
• Commitment to providing a high level of customer service and working in a team environment.
  
• High degree of professionalism and emotional intelligence.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  
• Self-starter who can operate in a complex operations environment with limited oversight.
  
• Familiarity with general business practices with the capacity to learn and administer programs such as financial systems, Quality Management System (QMS), equipment asset database, and Lab Inventory Management (LIMS) system.
  
• Ability to handle confidential information with utmost discretion.
  
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines.
  
• Proficiency with Oracle and QMS a plus.
  

Working Conditions

• Office Environment.
  
• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work.
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
  
• Cover Letter (preferred)
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe 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

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

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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