Associate Director, Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences Program
About The Position
The Associate Director administers all aspects of the Roy & Diana Vagelos Scholars Program in the Molecular Life Sciences under limited supervision from two Faculty Co-Directors. The program supports undergraduate scholars through foundational study in mathematics, chemistry, and physics; advanced scientific coursework; and mentored research, including stipend-supported summer research after students’ second and third years. The Associate Director oversees academic advising, student research and educational experiences, student progress reporting, program assessment, recruitment and admissions activities, communications, publications, the program website, events, and the program budget. The position also oversees the MLS Program Coordinator and reports to the two Faculty Co-Directors. The role provides academic advising to approximately 120 scholars, coordinates advising with the Faculty Directors, and supports scholar education, training, and assessment. It manages student experiences and feedback, develops assessment methods, maintains quantitative institutional data, conducts statistical analyses, and prepares annual reports and recommendations for program improvement. The Associate Director works with Undergraduate Admissions and Student Financial Services on recruitment and admissions, oversees program communications and website maintenance, develops and monitors the annual budget with the Faculty Directors, and coordinates events and activities from admissions through graduation.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts, and 3 to 5 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to lead or participate in occasional evening or weekend events.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with the culture of academic scientific research.
- Experience with student mentoring and advising.
- Previous experience in teaching, advising, and/or administration at the college level.
- Familiarity with UPenn administrative systems and experience partnering with campus resource centers and advising systems.
- Supervisory experience.
- Undergraduate degree in a natural science.
- Graduate degree in Natural Science and/or Education with a Science focus.
Responsibilities
- Manage the academic mission, direction, and administrative aspects of the Vagelos MLS program under the Faculty Directors’ limited supervision.
- Develop and implement program events in collaboration with the Vagelos MLS student board.
- Advise enrolled students and coordinate advising with the Faculty Directors.
- Manage academic and research experiences for Vagelos MLS Scholars.
- Provide feedback to students on research experiences and program assignments, and solicit student feedback annually.
- Develop evaluation methods and materials for program assessment and administration.
- Maintain quantitative institutional data, conduct statistical analyses, research and write annual reports, and recommend program improvements to the Faculty Directors.
- Participate in scholar recruitment and admissions with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Financial Services.
- Oversee program publications and communications, and create and maintain the program website.
- Develop the annual budget with the Faculty Directors for presentation to the School of Arts and Sciences Deans, monitor the budget, and oversee financial transactions.
- Oversee the day-to-day responsibilities of the MLS Program Coordinator.
- Help develop an MLS-specific academic-year calendar covering activities from admission through graduation.
- Contribute to the MLS newsletter and community-building events.
- Support admissions and matriculation activities, including Quaker Days and New Student Orientation.
- Assist with the education, training, and assessment of Scholars.
- Coordinate special events involving donors, graduates, staff, faculty, and current students.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
- Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
- Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn, and for dependent children at other institutions.
- Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans, with pre-tax or Roth savings options and investment choices through TIAA and Vanguard.
- Substantial time away from work.
- Long-term care insurance.
- Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
- Professional and personal development resources.
- Access to University resources, cultural activities, libraries, and athletic facilities.
- Discounts and special services, including discounts on arts, entertainment, transportation, and other goods and services.
- Flexible work options and hours.
- Forgivable home-ownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia.
- Adoption assistance reimbursement for qualified expenses.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
