About Us

Lauren Zajac, a certified research administrator, is Executive Director of Research Administration for the University of Arizona Health Sciences (UAHS). She works to develop highly impactful and sustainable administration research services, tools, and strategies consistent with the UAHS-sponsored research goals outlined in the UA's Never Settle strategic plan. Prior to joining the UA, Lauren held several positions with the University of Chicago, including executive director, pre-and post-award management, in the Department of Medicine; director of sponsored programs; senior manager of contracts; and grants and contracts manager in University Research Administration. She also was research administrator with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at Northwestern University. She is a member of the National Council of University Research Administration and has served as study section member for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science, graduating cum laude with highest distinction from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She completed the Executive Program for Emerging Leaders at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.