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ARC Operations Analyst

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $50,000–$70,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 3, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role is the primary lead for an animal research center's shipping and receiving dock. What receiving, inventory or laboratory operations work have you done?

What they are checking: Whether they have hands-on receiving, inventory or lab operations experience, because running a research dock requires organization, accuracy and routine.

This work supports animal research. How do you think about the ethical side of that?

What they are checking: Whether they have thought seriously about the ethics of animal research, because the work requires respect for animal welfare and its rules.

What would you do

You'd maintain federal agriculture department documentation. Why does that paperwork matter, and what happens if it is wrong?

What they are checking: Whether they understand why federal animal documentation must be accurate, because errors can lead to regulatory violations and threaten research approval.

You'd be the main point of contact for vendors. How do you handle a vendor who keeps delivering late?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage vendors firmly and professionally, because late deliveries can disrupt research and affect animal care.

A researcher needs something urgently that is not on the dock. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay helpful and resourceful when a researcher needs something urgently, because the dock serves internal customers whose work depends on speed.

The posting asks for a degree with under two years of related experience and prefers a year in an academic or biomedical research setting. What would you want to know about the dock and the volume before you took it?

What they are checking: Whether they fit the stated experience level and ask sensible questions about dock volume, because understanding the workload helps them decide well.

About the work

You'd order, receive and inspect research animal arrivals and generate delivery reports and cage cards. What would you check on an animal shipment when it arrives?

What they are checking: Whether they know what to check when animals arrive, because inspection errors can harm animal welfare and compromise the research that depends on them.

You'd maintain inventory reorder levels to ensure uninterrupted service. How would you set a reorder point for a supply a laboratory cannot run without?

What they are checking: Whether they can set sensible reorder points for critical supplies, because running out can stop laboratory work and harm research timelines.

You'd inspect and document transport vehicles for cleanliness and safety standards. What would you be looking for?

What they are checking: Whether they know what to inspect on transport vehicles, because cleanliness and safety directly affect animal health and compliance during delivery.

The posting prefers a valid Illinois or Indiana driver's license with an acceptable driving record, and laboratory animal science certification. Where do you stand on both?

What they are checking: Whether they meet the preferred license, driving record and certification, because transport and animal handling depend on those qualifications.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department BSD ARC - Research Support About the Department The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at the University of Chicago is dedicated to supporting investigators in conducting animal research while ensuring the humane and ethical care of all laboratory animals on campus. The Research Support Team manages the ARC's day-to-day operations, with a primary focus on facilities management and investigator support. Job Summary The job performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings. The ARC Operations Analyst serves as the primary lead for the Animal Resources Center (ARC) Shipping and Receiving Dock, playing a key role in supporting animal research operations. Reporting to the ARC Research Support Manager, this position oversees animal ordering, receipt, and shipment, manages equipment and supply inventory, and maintains USDA documentation and quality control records. The role works closely with the Dock Technician and provides broader operational support to the Research Support Team and Office of Shared Research Facilities (OSRF) cores. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional to contribute to a world-class research environment. Responsibilities • Leads operational activities related to the ARC dock including receipt, storage and distribution of lab animal care supplies and equipment to ensure inventories are maintained and supplies are distributed to the proper facilities efficiently; communicates with facility supervisors daily regarding supply and equipment needs. • Orders, receives, and inspects research animal arrivals/shipments and generates delivery reports, cage cards and maintains USDA documentation. • Maintains inventory reorder levels and ensures uninterrupted service; generates required documentation and maintains supply and equipment logs to facilitate reordering. Follows up on all outstanding orders. • Builds relationships with vendors and acts as main point of contact for inquiries regarding purchases and use of the dock. • Responsible for inspecting and documenting ARC transport vehicles to ensure compliance with USDA and AAALAC cleanliness and safety standards; coordinates scheduling with approved drivers and ensures proper packaging of lab samples transported to and from HPL; may assist with equipment transport between campus and off-campus facilities as needed. • Provides support to OSRF cores with coordinating movement of equipment or storage of materials when needed. • Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project. • Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents. • 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 < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Experience: • 1+ years of experience in an academic and/or biomedical research environment. • Prior experience in materials inventory management. Licenses and Certifications: • Valid Class D Illinois or Indiana State Driver's License and acceptable driving record. • AALAS certification at an level strongly preferred. Preferred Competencies • Proficiency and comfort with technology systems and software programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. • Strong organizational and communication skills, with a customer service orientation. • Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team. • Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Working Conditions • Involves a combination of mobility between work areas and time spent in stationary positions, including standing or sitting while performing assigned duties, as well as periods of seated, computer-based work. • Able to lift/push up to 50 lbs. Application Documents • Resume (required) • Cover Letter (preferred) The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Research Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required Yes Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ​ FLSA Status Exempt ​ Pay Range $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 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. 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. 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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