Place Lab Research Specialist
University of Chicago - Chicago, IL
University of Chicago - Chicago, IL
| Principal contribution is providing leadership in applying principles and knowledge relevant to research projects. Performs senior-level lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Performs lead role in research projects. Assists with project design. Oversees implementation of project, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology. Oversees data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts. Presents research findings at meetings and conferences, as well as to funding agencies. Conducts literature reviews. Trains and oversees the work of research support personnel. May manage other administrative aspects of the research project, including supervising research support personnel, tracking project expenditures, participating in funding negotiations, and assisting with grant and manuscript preparation. Responsibilities may include the following laboratory duties: independently performing complex technical duties; recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; monitoring and troubleshooting equipment; overseeing the ordering of supplies and maintenance of laboratory inventory; and ensuring laboratory compliance with all safety requirements. About the Unit As part of the University of Chicago's efforts to enhance the arts, the Arts and Public Life Initiative actively encourages the development of relationships between the creative and artistic projects taking place at the University of Chicago with those that are taking place throughout the South Side of Chicago, the city and beyond. Arts and Public Life (APL) will strengthen and develop sustainable partnerships with local artists, design professionals, architects, developers, commerce professionals and researchers to focus on the creations of innovative placemaking models in Chicago, and various other US cities, to support small-scale, culture-driven development among traditional players in the enhancement of distressed neighborhoods, among traditional players in the development ecosystem. By advancing artistic ambition through collaborations, master planning, architecture, landscapes, product mix, and interiors, the place can be a catalyst for public art, creativity and placemaking. Arts and Public Life Initiative, through a 3-year grant entitled the Place Project, will seek to implement demonstration projects in selected cities and host learning events, workshops and convenings to complete demonstrations, and publish research and lessons from the projects. Unit Job Summary The Place Lab is seeking a Research Specialist, for a one-year engagement (with the potential for a one-year extension). This individual will be responsible for working with the Program Manager of the Place Lab to manage and implement strategies to drive culture-based development initiatives and oversee local research initiatives. The Place Lab, a new University of Chicago project, will help to expand and test a community development model that applies art and culture as a means of community transformation. The Place Lab will jumpstart culture-driven development by bringing together artists, designers, urban planners, and policy experts in cities such as Akron, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan and Gary, Indiana. The project will involve training and mentoring on-the-ground partners to localize the approach and develop best practices in design, architecture, and the built environment. The Place Lab is rooted in the idea that reinventing abandoned spaces through community-led arts and cultural programs can open opportunities in urban communities both by mobilizing residents to contribute to neighborhood change and by attracting outside investment. Each Research Specialist will work closely with the Program Manager, partner organizations, and a target city to further the Place Lab initiatives and to implement the Place Lab's demonstration projects. The successful candidate will have a sharp aesthetic sense and sophisticated vision not only for the adaptive reuse of materials and buildings, but also for how unconventional combinations and networks of such resources, individuals, governments, and institutions can yield ambitious yet viable projects. The successful candidate will also be adaptive to a variety of circumstances, bringing creative solutions to large and small-scale plans and across a range of projects in urban neighborhoods. She or he will work side by side with individuals representing several different fields, including some that are highly empirical and quantitative and others that are more focused on design and aesthetics. A successful candidate will be enthusiastic about straddling these worlds, knowing their priorities, and delivering and executing on ideas that achieve the group's collective goals. The Place Lab Research Specialist reports to the Program Manager. Working in collaboration with the other Research Specialists, the team will serve as a liaison between partner organizations and other participating universities in Chicago and the target cities by attending meetings, responding to information requests and resolving issues as they may arise. The responsibilities include envisioning, developing, organizing, planning, directing and implementing the community engagement strategies and establishing working partnerships with community-based organizations, colleges and universities. The position requires a high degree of organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to complete independent projects as well as to work in a team environment. Together the team of Research Specialists will research and compile data and finalize reports, narratives, presentations, surveys, needs assessments and other detailed materials that will advance the Place Lab initiatives. The Place Lab Research Specialists will be responsible for preparing presentation quality reports to be delivered at the annual conferences to be held in each target city and Chicago. The successful candidates will develop publications through collaborative writing and editing and manage multiple tasks with a demonstrated ability to review and prioritize work. The individuals will develop and implement standardized, replicable processes for repeating and/or recurring events and activities and will provide monthly status reports to the Program Manager. Education Candidates must have acquired a bachelor's degree in public policy, public health, business, economics, urban planning, architecture, design, social service, social sciences, fine arts, arts management or related fields of study. Experience A minimum of three years of progressively responsible, high level experience in the applicable field. Competencies Must be able to provide active participation in projects designed to reinforce the Place Project initiatives as they relate to the individual needs of the community. Ability to maintain calm and courteous demeanor and to work productively despite heavy workload, competing priorities, complex problems, and tight deadlines required. Must have the ability to set-up effective systems and processes and follow them. Ability to follow an issue through to the requisite resolution. Considerable skill in working both independently and as a team member required. Must exhibit demeanor appropriate to the office and to work with other units collaboratively, cooperatively, and productively. Ability to take initiative and organize and complete projects with minimal supervision required. Must have excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills required. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software, including MS Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, and also with Adobe Acrobat Professional. Must have proficiency with other Adobe software. Required Job Seeker Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Job Seeker Documents Work Location Other Other Work Location Arts Incubator Work Schedule Full-Time Hours/Week 37.5 If other than regular hours (M-F, 8:30-5:00) please detail M-F, 8:30-5:00 Benefits Eligible? Yes Union (If applicable): Non-Union Pay Grade NA Pay Range Depends on Qualifications Pay Frequency Monthly Does this position require incumbent to operate a vehicle on the job? No Is a Background Check Required? Yes Is Drug Testing Required? No Employee Referral Bonus Amount None Posting Date 10-30-2014 |