Program Associate, BioQuest

RTW Foundation•New York, NY

71d•$65,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The RTW Foundation (RTWF), established in 2018 as the philanthropic arm of RTW Investments, LP, focuses on improving health equity in New York City and advancing ultrarare disease research. Their mission is to enhance the health of underserved communities, including those in New York City that have been historically underinvested, and patients facing rare diseases. A key aspect of this mission is empowering future innovators in science and medicine. The BioQuest Mentoring Program is RTWF's STEM mentoring initiative for middle school, high school, and alumni students, created in partnership with external community organizations. BioQuest aims to inspire underserved students to explore and pursue careers in science, biotech, and medicine through monthly enrichment events, mentorship from RTW professionals, and specialized experiences like the Ambassador program and the Catalyst summer research internship. As the program enters its fourth year, it is enhancing the quality of its tracks, and a Program Associate is sought to lead the middle school experience. This role will be a consistent and trusted presence for approximately 50 middle school students, responsible for knowing each student, tracking their progress, and fostering a welcoming environment for their scientific journey. The Program Associate will collaborate closely with the BioQuest Program Manager, partner schools, families, and RTW mentors to deliver high-quality programming in community and workplace settings.

Requirements

B.A. required in education, science education, or a related field
3–5 years of classroom teaching or structured youth education experience, including work with middle school students
Demonstrated curriculum development experience and knowledge of educational and developmental theory
Strong facilitation, public speaking, and classroom management skills
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage event logistics and multiple priorities simultaneously
A commitment to educational equity and experience serving first-generation, underrepresented, or Title I school communities
Flexible and able to work well in a team
Available Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends for community events

Nice To Haves

Advanced training in education or STEM a plus
Background in a STEM field (biology, life sciences, or related)
Research experience (academic, laboratory, or applied)
Bilingual (Spanish) a plus
Knowledge of the NYC education landscape and equity challenges

Responsibilities

Lead and facilitate monthly inquiry-based enrichment events for middle school students, using hands-on activities, discussion, and interactive strategies
Serve as primary point of contact for middle school students, building meaningful individual relationships across the full cohort
Track student attendance, engagement, and growth, maintaining a comprehensive view of each student's journey through the program
Support family engagement through regular communication about upcoming events and student progress
Join school and family visits alongside the Program Manager to build continuity of relationships
Support delivery of BioQuest's summer programming, contributing to facilitation, student engagement, and daily operations
Co-create the middle school curriculum with the Program Manager, contributing classroom expertise and developmentally appropriate instructional design
Design engaging, hands-on activities that build science identity and remain accessible to diverse learners
Contribute to ongoing evaluation and refinement of programming, informing curriculum decisions with evidence from direct student experience
Maintain regular communication with the Program Manager regarding program needs, student engagement, and materials
Work collaboratively across the RTW Foundation team to support a welcoming, inclusive environment for students and families