XLab Nuclear Program Lead

Department

PSD Enrico Fermi Institute: X Lab

About the Department

The Existential Risk Laboratory (XLab) is an initiative based within the Physical Sciences Division at the University of Chicago. The Lab aims to catalyze novel research activity by serving as a convening locus at the University as well as supporting research groups for the interdisciplinary field of existential risk studies. XLab additionally supports outreach and education for undergraduates through its summer research fellowship, educational events, and curricular development efforts.

XLab's Nuclear Program works at the intersection of nuclear-risk research, convening, and public communication. Past program work includes organizing the Nobel Laureate Assembly for the Prevention of Nuclear War, whose declaration was signed by 129 Nobel Laureates, and partnering with faculty across the University on research and educational programming related to nuclear risk.

Job Summary

The XLab Nuclear Program Lead owns and directs XLab's portfolio of nuclear-risk work, including research programming, convenings (such as the Nobel Laureate Assembly and related initiatives), public communications, educational offerings, and the broader set of nuclear-risk projects developed with XLab faculty and external partners. The role combines program leadership — setting priorities, managing projects end-to-end, and representing XLab in nuclear-risk circles — with program coordination. The Program Lead works closely with XLab leadership, partner institutions (including the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and academic partners), and XLab's administrative staff to deliver high-impact research programming under the constraints of a small, grant-funded team. This position is grant-funded and is expected to continue as long as funding allows.

Responsibilities

• Manages the XLab's nuclear program portfolio in close coordination with XLab leadership and partner institutions.
• Leads the planning and execution of high-profile nuclear-risk convenings (e.g., successor efforts to the Nobel Laureate Assembly for the Prevention of Nuclear War), including sponsor and partner relationships, logistics, program content, and follow-up communications.
• Researches funding opportunities, preparing grant proposals, and drafting or editing other written materials relevant to the nuclear program, with moderate to high levels of guidance.
• Partners with the XLab Project Associate and Financial Administrator on budget tracking, spending reports, and grant compliance for nuclear-program funds.
• Represents XLab and its nuclear program externally in working groups, partner meetings, and public settings as directed by the PI.
• Contributes to broader XLab programming (summer research fellowship, workshops, events) where nuclear-risk content is involved.
• Identifies and supports student researchers working on nuclear-risk topics, connecting them with mentors, resources, and publication opportunities.
• Supports student research projects related to nuclear risk, coordinating with faculty and students to ensure projects are on track and adequately resourced.
• Drafts external-facing content for the nuclear program — website copy, announcements, event materials, op-eds, and other communications — and coordinate messaging with XLab leadership and partners.
• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.
• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process.
• Perform 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Graduate training in security studies, public policy, international relations, physics, or a closely related field is a plus.

Experience:

• Prior work experience in nuclear-risk research, arms control, nuclear policy, national security policy, or a closely related field.
• Experience planning and running high-profile convenings, workshops, or major academic events with external partners.
• Experience writing in a dominant position, such as for websites, journalism, policy briefs, or communications.
• Experience building and maintaining external relationships with academic, governmental, or NGO partners.
• Experience as a teaching assistant or similar role evaluating student work and providing feedback.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong project-management skills and comfort owning several multi-month projects in parallel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to engage credibly with technical, policy, and public audiences.
• Familiarity with Office Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Comfort with online meeting platforms (Zoom, Teams, etc.).
• Familiarity with online sharing tools (Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.).
• Basic HTML for updating websites.
• Familiarity with basic AV equipment (cameras, mics, recording controls).

Working Conditions

• In-person at the University of Chicago.
• May work occasional evenings and weekends, particularly around convenings and major events; occasional travel for partner meetings or convenings is likely.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• Writing sample(s) relevant to nuclear risk or policy (preferred)
• References (preferred)

Job Family

Research

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

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$72,000.00 - $83,500.00

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.

 

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