Job Summary Table of Business Specialist

🧪 Job Description Summary

The ARC/OSRF Business Specialist provides comprehensive administrative and business office support to leadership within the Animal Resources Center and Office of Shared Research Facilities at the University of Chicago. This role requires exceptional organizational abilities and attention to detail, serving as the administrative backbone for these vital research support units while managing information flow, coordinating events, and handling sensitive business matters.

📋 About the Department

The Animal Resources Center (ARC) plays a crucial role in the University of Chicago’s research ecosystem by assisting investigators in conducting animal research while ensuring appropriate and humane care of all laboratory animals. The ARC oversees six facilities and maintains a dedicated business office, with specialized sections covering husbandry, maintenance, operations, veterinary care, finance, and administration.

Recently, the ARC merged with the Office of Shared Research Facilities (OSRF), which manages all Biological Sciences Division (BSD) core facilities on campus. This strategic integration creates a comprehensive research support infrastructure that demands sophisticated administrative coordination—exactly what the Business Specialist role provides.

💼 Key Responsibilities

The Business Specialist serves as the administrative linchpin for these vital research support units, with responsibilities including:

• Coordination and Planning: Organize, schedule, and coordinate meetings, interviews, conferences, trainings, and special events for leadership. Ensure management readiness through data compilation and presentation preparation.

• Information Management: Handle written materials, reports, websites, and data for ARC/OSRF faculty and senior management. Triage incoming/outgoing information, coordinate information flow, and serve as a knowledge resource connecting ARC/OSRF with other BSD and University offices.

• Project Participation: Contribute to short-term administrative process improvement projects, implement new technologies, attend committee meetings, provide meeting summaries, and track action items.

• Inquiry Resolution: Address routine internal/external questions, refer specialized inquiries appropriately, and follow up to ensure complete and timely responses. Act as liaison to prepare management for meetings and events.

• Administrative Support: Ensure timely information delivery throughout the unit and assist with human resources tasks, working closely with the Director of Strategic Operations on HR documentation.

• Financial Tasks: Collaborate with the Finance group on routine duties such as credit card purchase reconciliation and work directly with vendors to obtain quotes and information.

• Hiring Support: Initiate student and staff hiring processes, including payroll processing, and perform data research and analysis for reports, grants, and contracts.

📊 Qualifications and Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• College or university degree in a related field
• 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a scientific field
• 1-3 years of progressively responsible administrative/business office experience
• Prior experience in an academic and/or biomedical research environment OR animal research

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent communication, organizational, and strategic planning skills
• Proficiency with software applications (e.g., Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint, and Photoshop or equivalent)
• Website design knowledge
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Skill in interacting with vendors, Principal Investigators, and other University members
• Initiative to organize and complete projects with minimal supervision
• Tact in handling public contacts with courtesy, clarity, and diplomacy
• Discretion when managing sensitive and confidential information
• Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively

🏢 Working Conditions

The position primarily operates in an office environment, with responsibilities including sitting at a computer and occasional walking to facilities. This role is categorized as on-site at the University of Chicago campus.

💰 Benefits and Perks

As a benefits-eligible position, the ARC/OSRF Business Specialist role includes access to the University of Chicago’s comprehensive benefits package, which features:

• Competitive salary range of $60,000 to $75,000
• Comprehensive health insurance options
• Retirement savings programs
• Generous paid time off policies
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to university resources and facilities
• Being part of a prestigious research institution

🔍 Company Overview

The University of Chicago is a world-renowned institution dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge through rigorous inquiry and research. Founded in 1890, the university has been home to more than 100 Nobel laureates and continues to be at the forefront of discovery across disciplines. The university’s commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to its Hyde Park and international campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world.

🌟 Company Culture

The University of Chicago fosters an environment of intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The campus community values diverse perspectives, critical thinking, and innovative approaches to solving complex problems. Employees benefit from being part of an institution that balances a rich historical tradition with forward-thinking approaches to research, education, and administration.

📈 Career Growth Opportunities

Working at the University of Chicago opens doors to significant professional development and career advancement. The institution offers numerous opportunities for continuing education, skill enhancement, and career progression within its extensive network of departments and affiliated organizations. Business Specialists often find pathways to roles with increasing responsibility and specialization in research administration, project management, or departmental leadership.

🌈 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The University of Chicago is deeply committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. The university believes that diversity enhances the quality of university education and research and strives to create an inclusive community where all members can thrive and contribute their best work.

⚖️ Equal Opportunity 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.

🏠 Remote Work Policy

This position is classified as on-site, requiring regular presence at the University of Chicago campus. The role involves face-to-face interactions with university personnel and physical movement between campus facilities, making in-person attendance essential to fulfilling job responsibilities.

📝 Application Process

1. Submit your resume and required cover letter through the University of Chicago’s online application system
2. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews
3. Background checks will be conducted for final candidates

📤 How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the University of Chicago’s online job portal. Required application documents include: – Resume (required) – Cover letter (required)

Applications must include these documents uploaded via the My Experience page in the Application Documents section of the application.

🔗 Social Media Links

• University of Chicago LinkedIn
• University of Chicago Twitter
• University of Chicago Facebook

❓ Additional Information

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.

For additional information about the University’s commitment to equal opportunity employment and to request a reasonable accommodation, please visit the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination or contact the Office of Access and Equity.

The University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety 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.

Explore Blog Articles:

1. UK Skilled Worker Visa – Complete Guide
2. Sweden Job Seeker Visa – How to Apply
3. Portugal’s Job Seeker Visa – What You Need to Know
4. Germany EU Blue Card – Benefits and Requirements