Associate Director, Capital Projects, Facilities and Space Infrastructure

Job title: Associate Director, Capital Projects, Facilities and Space Infrastructure

Company: University of Chicago

Job description: Department PME Pritzker School of Molecular EngineeringAbout 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 phase of growth 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.Job Summary Reporting to the Assistant Dean and Executive Director of Space, Infrastructure, and Facilities, the Associate Director of Facilities and Space planning will oversee the development of complex and highly technical space plans and layouts for all PME space across 12 buildings on the University of Chicago campus and three sites off campus (Hyde Park Labs, Fulton Labs, and Harper Court). The job provides leadership and direction for the capital projects delivery process, from the design phase through commissioning and close-out. The role is responsible for managing the construction and renovation of physical assets and bringing assets online in the most efficient and effective manner. The Associate Director will work with faculty and staff to plan and design lab, research, administrative, and other spaces and develops schedule and budget estimates that meet the tactical and strategic long-range goals of the PME. The Associate Director of Facilities and Space Planning will also contribute to overseeing the general day-to-day operations of PME facilities.Responsibilities

• Leads the development of complex and highly technical space plans and layouts for the buildout of engineering research labs, core facilities, and teaching labs.
• Leads the development of complex and highly technical space plans and layouts for the renovation, infrastructure augmentation, or remodeling of engineering research labs.
• Demonstrates familiarity with monitoring and assessing power consumption, cooling, HVAC, and other mechanical needs. Capacity to respond to environmental fluctuations swiftly, to ensure maintenance of tightly controlled humidity, temperature, airflow, and other systems, and to prevent compromise of experiments due to system failure with an unshakable Safety First mindset.
• Assists the Assistant Dean and Executive Director with managing active and passive electromagnetic (EM) shielding for high output magnets and highly sensitive experimental apparatus, flow calculations for flammable gases and solutions.
• Oversees the reconfiguration of all PME assigned office and administrative spaces.
• Works with Human Resources and leadership on the assignment of space.
• Maintains PME database of architectural, infrastructure, and technical plans and is instrumental in the design and development of expansion space and future infrastructure, including the Hyde Park Labs (20,000 sq ft) and New Engineering and Science Building (200,000 sq ft).
• Ensures operational compliance and commissioning standards delivery from internal and external project delivery partners to highly sophisticated and sensitive research environments.
• Oversees the relocation of Faculty, and their research from one space to another, including the development of logistics plans and coordinating the transfer of specialty scientific equipment and/or hazardous materials.
• Inspects work performed by University of Chicago facilities (or other designated 3rd party facilities management vendors) and provides technical assistance to ensure operational compliance within tight control parameters.
• Guides FS service delivery in unusual/high-risk or high-impact research environments.
• Assists researchers with the planned installation of rarefied and highly technical equipment, including space and/or infrastructural renovation to accommodate them.
• Tracks maintenance and minor repairs and installations in labs and works to identify and mitigate potential disruption to ongoing research due to environmental perturbation (EM/vibration/noise/dust, etc.).
• Routinely conducts inspections of the building for deficiencies scans space for improvements, and works with faculty and Divisional leadership to build out capital projects to address any identified deficiencies.
• Oversees divisional space data information semiannually to ensure informational accuracy and regulatory compliance essential for space audits, indirect cost negotiations, and Division-wide planning.
• Monitors the development of functional/architectural design solutions. Manages, plans and participates in multi-unit teams addressing space use and space planning issues. Manages consultants and consultant selection process; negotiates and manages contracts and budgets.
• Advises space planning and management of professional staff. Develops and ensures the regular tracking of appropriate performance measurements to support continuous improvement. Develops capital planning budgets as they are transitioned to capital renovation projects.
• Leads, plans, coordinates, and implements space and urban planning initiatives. Leads space management, design, and/or sustainability activities including but not limited to seminars, conferences, workshops, and internships that promote departmental initiatives at the University and in the community at large.
• Leads and facilitates space and urban planning projects. May recommend process improvements for space management, design, and/or sustainability programs initiated by students, faculty, staff, and other community members. Develops and implements other special projects that will advance the University’s sustainability efforts and raise awareness of sustainability-related projects being carried out in the neighborhood and surrounding community.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum QualificationsEducation: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.Certifications:—Preferred QualificationsEducation:

• Degree in engineering or related field.

Experience:

• Extensive experience developing mechanical and technical plans for complex research lab spaces.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of physical operating parameters for biological, quantum-engineering, and materials research lab spaces.
• Knowledge of building operations and building codes.
• Familiarity with general business practices.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to create and modify space plans using CAD or similar modeling tools.
• Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated solid planning and organizational skills emphasizing detail and thoroughness.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Effective communication in both written and verbal formats.
• Effective time management skills.
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent and highly detailed project management skills.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.Job Family Facilities ManagementRole Impact Individual ContributorScheduled Weekly Hours 37.5Drug Test Required NoHealth Screen Required NoMotor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required NoPay Rate Type Salary​
FLSA Status Exempt​
Pay Range $130,000.00 – $145,000.00The 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 YesThe 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 thePosting StatementThe 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 theJob seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request viaAll 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: . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Expected salary: $130000 – 145000 per year

Location: Chicago, IL

Job date: Thu, 29 May 2025 23:29:03 GMT

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