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Project Administrator (Non-Technical), Business Coordinator

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $28.85–$36.06 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 6, 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

You provide business support for projects from conception to completion. How do you keep a project moving when the researchers are focused on the science?

What they are checking: Driving administrative work that nobody else will prioritize.

Tell me about supporting work you did not fully understand technically. How did you stay useful?

What they are checking: Comfort supporting expert work without being an expert.

This supports a laboratory in the Organismal Biology and Anatomy department covering biomechanics, evolution and paleontology. What draws you to supporting research rather than a business office?

What they are checking: Genuine interest in the setting, which makes the difference in a lab role.

What would you do

You would plan logistics for trips, conferences and expeditions. What makes planning a field expedition different from planning a conference trip?

What they are checking: Understanding that field logistics carry risks and constraints office travel does not.

You would manage the laboratory's calendar and scheduling for a principal investigator who travels. How do you protect their time and still keep the lab moving?

What they are checking: Gatekeeping for a busy researcher.

A shipment the lab needs for an expedition is delayed. What do you do?

What they are checking: Problem solving against a departure date that will not move.

How do you work with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who need things from you at the same time?

What they are checking: Serving several claimants with no clear hierarchy between them.

About the work

This role includes computed tomography scanning and logging for a research group working in vertebrate paleontology and comparative biomechanics. What would you need to learn to log scans usefully?

What they are checking: Willingness to learn a technical task inside an administrative role.

How do you keep track of specimens, equipment and materials across a laboratory and a field season?

What they are checking: Inventory discipline where items are irreplaceable.

How do you handle financial records and reimbursements for research spending that happens in the field?

What they are checking: Practical handling of receipts and rules under difficult conditions.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department BSD OBA - Sereno Lab About the Department Through the disciplines of Comparative Biomechanics, Evolution and Developmental Biology, Behavioral Neurobiology, and Vertebrate Paleontology, our mission is to explore animal form and function and how they change over the short time frame of an individual’s life history and long time frame of the history of animal life. The Project Administrator, Business Coordinator position reports to PI, Professor Paul Sereno and manages lab activities including overseeing the lab and PI scheduling, managing budgets, lab accounting and reconciliation duties and project management for lab research projects and additional special projects as needed. The Project Administrator, Business Coordinator will also complete CT scanning for research projects. This position will also oversee and coordinate project management for lab exhibitions and logistics management of field expeditions. Job Summary The job provides business support for non-technical (not information technology or construction related) projects from conception to completion. Performs administrative duties as they relate to the assembly of teams and the development of detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports. Responsibilities • CT scanning and logging. • Scheduling/managing calendar. • Planning and logistics for trips, conferences, field expeditions, and research trips. • Scheduling, planning and project management for exhibit management. • Scheduling and project management for Film-related project. • Lab meeting agendas, note taking and project management. • Lab accounting-reconciliation and cash advance. • Assists in coordinating daily projects, including preparing and maintaining non-technical (not information technology or construction related) project plans, budgets, and staffing requirements. • Supports or independently performs administrative tasks such as arranging meetings, developing agendas, and preparing progress reports. • Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree). Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Experience: • Previous CT scanning experience. • Project Management experience. Application Documents • Resume (required) • Cover Letter (optional) • Contact information of at least references 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 Administration & Management Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Hourly ​ FLSA Status Non-Exempt ​ Pay Range $28.85 - $36.06 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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