Simulation Operations Specialist
Job description
Department
BSD SIM - Administration
About the Department
The University of Chicago biomedical enterprise houses three entities: the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM), and the Pritzker School of Medicine. Collectively called UCM, we are one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions and have been at the forefront of discovery, education, and clinical care since 1927. Located 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago, our Hyde Park main campus provides a single environment for learning, world-renowned basic science and clinical research, and outstanding clinical care.
The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University. The BSD is comprised of faculty from ten basic science departments, 13 clinical departments, and several Centers and Institutes. The approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members working in the BSD collaborate across the organization to achieve our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV):
MISSION: As part of the University of Chicago, we pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges. Through our rigorous research, innovative education, and comprehensive care and healing, we collaborate on life-changing advancements that create meaningful results for our community and the world, including a greater, more equitable future for all.
VISION: Together, we elevate the human experience with knowledge and health care.
VALUES:
- Commit to Excellence: We contribute our exceptional talents to all we do and empower the same spirit of excellence in others.
- Embrace Curiosity: We stay open to new ideas, champion diverse perspectives, and drive a culture of thoughtful risk-taking to deliver transformative innovation.
- Embody Equity: We identify systemic issues and then foster change to drive a more equitable environment inclusive of diverse people, ideas, and fields of science.
- Grow Together: We meaningfully collaborate with one another to create something bigger than we could ever achieve alone.
- Make a Difference: We lead with heart and compassion in all our interactions. We create positive change in our areas of influence, whether expanding scientific inquiry, developing the next generation of leaders, or healing our community.
- Take Ownership: We accomplish what we say we will and hold ourselves and one another accountable for our actions.
The MVV serves as our True North, charting our strategic plan for the next ten years and beyond. Our team helps shape the future for our learners, staff, faculty, patients, and community.
The UChicago Simulation Center strives to measurably improve the quality, safety, and experience of healthcare delivery through the application of cutting-edge simulation methods, systems thinking, human-centered design, and innovative technology. Dedicated to high-quality simulation, the Simulation Center partners across the University of Chicago Health System and Biological Sciences Division to co-design and implement simulation-based programs that promote clinical readiness, skill development, digital innovation, and research.
Job Summary
The job manages academic, research, clinical or administrative programs of the University.
Responsibilities
Operates and maintains simulator technologies ranging from anatomic models and task trainers to screen-based simulation to full-body patient simulators and virtual reality surgical simulators.
Provides technical support and A/V setup during sessions as well as operational support of simulation software to ensure efficient operations needed to achieve session objectives.
Ensures simulation scenarios are accurately set up with functioning task trainers, mannequins, and technology to ensure success.
Conducts appropriate maintenance and processes for repairs to existing equipment, including technology, manikins, task trainers, and the mobile ambulance, across the Simulation Center.
Serves as an internal consultant and external liaison for simulation technology matters. Maintains knowledge of emerging technologies.
Brings a growth-mindset to all duties, actively learning new technologies and skills, which may include participation in vendor maintenance training programs.
Conducts timely administrative duties such as answering emails, typing reports, entering basic data, and photocopying.
Travels to off-site locations across the UChicago Medicine health system and to community sites as needed.
Supports adult learning principles and the learning experience for all center users, putting psychological safety at the forefront of all encounters.
Serves as an active participant (i.e. imbedded actor) in simulation activities as needed.
Actively participates in continuous quality improvement of center operations, always looking to improve efficiency and experience.
Adheres to processes to promote quality data collection, procedures for equipment inventory, equipment usage, reservation tracking, preventative maintenance and repair logs, warranty management, productivity tracking, and survey data collection and reporting, and research data management.
Supports the mission, vision, and goals of the UChicago Simulation Center.
Uses moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
Sets and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
Has moderate/high levels of interactions with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Associate’s degree in a technology or health-related field or equivalent.
Experience:
Two years of direct patient care experience as an EMT, paramedic, nurse, or equivalent.
At least 2 years of experience working in a healthcare or technical environment.
Experience as a technician supporting cadaveric and tissue labs.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
Strong technical aptitude for maintaining, calibrating, and repairing medical simulation equipment to ensure reliability and accuracy.
Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to simulator function.
Knowledge of audio/video equipment and software for recording, duplication, mixing and editing.
Proficiency in MS software applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), database management, and Internet utilization.
Operating and troubleshooting products and software, including SimMan 3G, SimBaby, SimJunior, HAL, SuperTory and other advanced manikins.
Familiarity with simulation software platforms such as Laerdal LLEAP and Gaumard UNI for session management, data collection, and performance evaluation.
Experience working with human patient simulators.
Preferred Competencies
Knowledge of human anatomy and physiologic states.
Basic understanding of simulation-based education principles, including scenario planning and setup, debriefing tools, and learner-centered methodologies.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and professional communication skills.
Ability to express technical information clearly and simply to non-technical persons.
Ability to learn new software and hardware quickly and independently.
Ability to assess, troubleshoot, and fix equipment failures in a timely fashion.
Ability to work well under pressure, set priorities, and make critical decisions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding job assignments and sensitive issues.
Ability to work with internal and external individuals from different disciplines and different levels of training.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Self-motivated and requires minimal supervision with the ability to work as a team member.
Flexibility and adaptability to work varying hours/days/evening/weekends.
Ability to balance multiple tasks simultaneously in fast paced environment.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills to manage equipment inventories and resolve technical issues promptly.
Ability to effectively make decisions that represent the mission, values, and strategic plan of the organization and leaders.
Ability to have words, actions, and behavior reflect a high level of integrity.
Working Conditions
Work requires a moderate amount of walking, transporting equipment, and occasional heavy physical lifting of equipment.
Must be able to lift, reach, carry, pull, and push equipment/materials up to 25 pounds frequently, and occasionally up to 75 pounds.
Converse with faculty members, clinical instructors, and learners concerning educational activities daily.
Must be able to see, hear, stand, walk, read, and perform manual tasks with or without accommodation and care for oneself with little or no difficulty.
Manual dexterity and quick movements required for technical tasks.
Application Documents
Resume (required)
Cover Letter (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
Administration & Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled
Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
Yes
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Yes
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$65,000.00 - $80,000.00
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.
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