Career Services Specialist – Advanced Professional
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 at Penn State and beyond. The specialist advises students on identifying research opportunities aligned with their goals, preparing applications, communicating with faculty mentors, and applying to summer research programs such as REUs. The position also supports students’ preparation for research experiences, presentations, graduate school exploration, and research-focused careers. Working collaboratively with the Office of Science Engagement, academic departments, faculty mentors, Undergraduate Research and Fellowship and Mentoring, and other campus partners, the specialist develops and delivers programming that promotes student success and engagement. The position includes coordinating the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), teaching SC 100: Introduction to Research, and representing the office at events. The work arrangement combines remote and on-campus work; remote or hybrid work approval is not guaranteed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 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.
- Successful completion of the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Background Check.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of staff employment visas.
- Submit a cover letter and résumé with the application.
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 assessment.
- Meet individually with undergraduate students to discuss research interests, identify opportunities, and advise on securing research experiences at Penn State and externally.
- Develop and deliver workshops, presentations, and programming on undergraduate research engagement, summer research opportunities, research skills, 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.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement plans.
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
- 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
