A.1.1 Organization of the Marine Biological Laboratory

Marine Biological Laboratory
Policy No. A.1.1

Initiated by: MBLDirector
Approved by: MBLDirector
Date: May 12, 2016
Distribution: All MBLEmployees

1.0 Office of the Director:
Under the authority of and reporting to the Board of Trustees, the President and Director has responsibility for general supervision of and control of all aspects of the Marine Biological Laboratory (Ůֱ), its institutional mission, its operations, and its advancement. To carry out its mission in research and education, the MBLis organized into three divisions – Research, Education, and Operations – which report within the Office of the MBLDirector. Within the Office of the Director, the mission and management of the MBLare aided by institutional advancement and communication.

  • 1.1Division of Research
    The Division of Research encompasses all research programs at the Ůֱ, with oversight for the appointment of all scientists who perform research at the Ůֱ, development and management of research services, research budgets, the assignment of research space, the disbursement of research awards and fellowships, training and education for the responsible conduct of scientific research, relevant regulatory functions, library services, and guidance for graduate and postdoctoral trainees.
    The Division is headed by a Division Director, who is appointed by and reports to the MBLDirector.
  • 1.2Division of Education
    The Division of Education organizes and has authority over all educational programs and activities at the Ůֱ, including the Discovery courses, Special Topics courses and workshops, student internships, all undergraduate programs, and all programs involving University of Chicago students.  The Division is headed by a Division Director, who is appointed by and reports to the MBLDirector.
  • 1.3Division of Operations
    The Division of Operations has oversight and management responsibility for critical operating areas within the Ůֱ, including the Departments of Finance, Human Resources, Facilities and Services, and Information Technology.
    The Division is headed by the Chief Operations Officer, who is appointed by and reports to the MBLDirector.
  • 1.4Development and Communications
    Within the Office of the Director, the Department of Development and Communications has responsibility and oversight for all functions and activities related to institutional advancement at the MBLin conjunction with colleagues at the University of Chicago, including all fundraising activities, interactions with foundations, and relationships with relevant community groups and advisory bodies.
    The department is headed by the Chief Advancement Officer, who is appointed at MBLby and reports to the MBLDirector.

2.0 Units Providing Advice and Recommendations to the MBLDirector
The MBLDirector, at his/her sole discretion and as informed by the MBLBylaws, may form and appoint a variety of advisory units, councils, and committees to provide advice and counsel upon request. Such units include:

  • 2.1President’s Scientific Advisory Council
    The President’s Scientific Advisory Council (P-SAC) is an external advisory group that advises the MBLDirector and senior management on matters pertaining to science at the Ůֱ, both current and future. P-SAC is a council of up to ten members, appointed by the MBLDirector and consisting of individuals known for scientific expertise and standing in their respective fields, combined with a thorough understanding of research management and strategy. Members of P-SAC provide advice on different research areas at the Ůֱ, the Ůֱ’s relationships to other institutions, and strategic integration across the Ůֱ’s programs in both research and education. P-SAC will ordinarily meet no less than once per year.
  • 2.2Director’s Council
    Director’s Council consists of up to eight (8) resident scientists, directors of research units (see Policy A.1.2), or other senior leadership, as appointed by the MBLDirector. Director’s Council will ordinarily meet no less than monthly during the traditional academic year.

3.0 Modification and Updates to the Organizational Structure
Modification to the organizational structure of the MBLmay be made at the discretion of the MBLDirector and/or at the direction of the MBLBoard of Trustees, in accordance with the MBLBylaws. Updates are available from the Office of the Director.