Career Services Specialist – Advanced Professional

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Science Engagement within Penn State’s Eberly College of Science seeks a Career Services Specialist to advance undergraduate student engagement in research opportunities and experiential learning. The role designs, delivers, and evaluates programs that help students explore, secure, and succeed in undergraduate research opportunities at Penn State and elsewhere. The specialist advises students on finding opportunities aligned with their academic and professional goals, preparing applications, communicating with faculty mentors, and pursuing summer research programs, presentations, graduate education, and research-focused careers. The position collaborates with the Office of Science Engagement team, academic departments, faculty mentors, Undergraduate Research and Fellowship and Mentoring, and other campus partners to develop programming that promotes student success. It coordinates the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), teaches SC 100: Introduction to Research, delivers workshops and presentations, and contributes to communications and assessment. The role includes representing the office at events, which may occasionally require evening and weekend hours. This position offers a flexible work arrangement combining remote and on-campus work; approval of remote or hybrid work is not guaranteed. Candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé and complete Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint background clearances. Penn State does not sponsor employment visas; applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 3 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated commitment to building an inclusive, equitable, and diverse campus community, or a description of one or more ways the candidate would contribute to these efforts.
Submit a cover letter and résumé with the application.
Successfully complete the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with undergraduate students in academic advising, mentoring, research, or related educational settings.
Experience coordinating or supporting undergraduate research programs.
Knowledge of undergraduate research opportunities, summer research programs, and pathways to graduate education.
Experience developing and delivering educational programming, workshops, or classroom instruction.
Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Exemplary attention to detail and organizational skills.
Team-oriented mindset and ability to build collaborative partnerships across campus.
Strong problem-solving skills and comfort developing and improving processes.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, coordinate, and assess undergraduate research programs and initiatives in virtual, hybrid, and in-person formats.
Coordinate the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), including student recruitment, application management, program logistics, participant support, and program assessment.
Meet individually with undergraduate students to discuss research interests, identify opportunities, and advise them on securing research experiences at Penn State and externally.
Develop and deliver workshops, presentations, and programming on undergraduate research engagement, summer research opportunities, research skill development, graduate education preparation, and professional development.
Serve as a guest lecturer in undergraduate courses and student programs on finding and engaging in undergraduate research.
Teach SC 100: Introduction to Research, including curriculum delivery, student mentoring, and assessment.
Collaborate with faculty, departments, and campus partners to increase awareness of and access to undergraduate research opportunities.
Develop resources and initiatives that help students navigate research pathways and advance their academic and professional development.
Coordinate marketing and communications about undergraduate research opportunities through websites, publications, digital communications, and social media, in partnership with the Office of Science Engagement.
Represent the Office of Science Engagement at on-campus and off-campus events, occasionally requiring evening and weekend hours.
Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of research engagement programs, workshops, and advising services.