Position Overview
We are seeking a Research Project Coordinator who will play a central role in coordinating and supporting activities across MICROBENet^Net, a network of plant-microbial researchers funded through a four-year AccelNet-Implementation Phase 1 grant. Working closely with the PIs and Steering Committee, the coordinator will facilitate communication, support project operations, and assist with the implementation of both virtual and in-person network activities.
The Project Coordinator will support the planning, coordination, and implementation of key MICROBENet^Net activities, including research exchanges, colloquia, virtual programming, and meetings held in conjunction with international conferences. A primary responsibility of this position is facilitating communication and engagement across the network while supporting project leadership in carrying out network objectives.
The Project Coordinator will serve as a primary point of contact for PIs, early-career researchers (ECRs), and other network participants. Responsibilities include managing applications for research exchanges and network activities; organizing materials for review by project leadership; coordinating meetings, travel, and event logistics; and supporting transparent and equitable review processes.
The Project Coordinator will oversee day-to-day administration of MICROBENet^Net communications and community platforms, including Slack, Zoom, and the network website. The coordinator will support communication, collaboration, and engagement among participants while helping maintain the visibility of network activities and accomplishments.
The Project Coordinator will be hired by the Kansas Biological Survey, Center for Ecological Research, and will be based at the University of Kansas.
Job Description
40% – Logistics, Travel, and Financial Administration:
- Organize application materials, communicate with applicants, and provide logistical and coordination support for research exchanges, travel awards, meetings, and conferences. Responsibilities include arranging travel, processing reimbursements, submitting invoices for payment, and coordinating related activities in accordance with institutional and sponsor requirements. Monitor project expenditures and assist with budget tracking and forecasting in coordination with the PIs and KU Center for Research Award Management Services. Work with Shared Service Center Finance staff, Purchasing Services, and Contracts personnel to ensure timely and accurate processing of project transactions.
25% – Communications and Online Infrastructure:
- Develop and maintain project communications and online community platforms, including Slack, Zoom programming, and the network website, in consultation with project leadership. Coordinate virtual meetings and support engagement among PIs, ECRs, and network participants.
15% – Project Coordination:
- Coordinate regular meetings with project leadership, prepare agenda materials, track action items, monitor project timelines, and follow up on outstanding tasks to support timely completion of network activities.
- Coordinate activities that support early-career researchers across the network, including facilitating communication among graduate students and postdoctoral scholars and assisting project leadership with ECR-led initiatives, professional development activities, and networking opportunities.
15% – Reporting and Assessment:
- Assist with the development, collection, and synthesis of information required for NSF reporting, program assessment, and network evaluation. Develop reporting timelines in coordination with project leadership, communicate deadlines to participants and collaborators, and track progress toward reporting requirements. Anticipate project needs, identify potential issues, and apply knowledge of university and sponsor procedures to help resolve administrative challenges.
5% – Record Maintenance:
- Maintain participant records, contact lists, and other information systems that support project communications, reporting, participant engagement, and network activities.
Position Requirements
- Some degree of travel is required, including international travel to Chile to support coordination and facilitation of the project's March 2027 colloquium.
Required Qualifications
- High School diploma or GED equivalency and five years of related experience OR Bachelor's plus one year of related experience.
- Experience working in multi-institutional, international environments, including communication across time zones and with collaborative teams whose first language is not English, as shown in application materials.
- Previous experience with report writing for grants.
- Previous experience utilizing accounting skills, as evident on application materials.
- Organization and written communication skills as evidenced in application materials.
Preferred Qualifications
- More than one year of experience in project coordination.
- Administrative experience in an academic/scientific research environment.
- Experience with administrative and accounting procedures relevant to research grants.
- Experience administering and supporting online community platforms and virtual programming with tools such as Slack, Zoom, etc. as shown in application materials.
- Experience with University of Kansas administrative systems such as FITC, Concur, Financial Service Portal or OAC as shown in application materials.
- Experience with NSF-funded programs, reporting requirements, or evaluation processes as evidenced in application materials.
Additional Candidate Instructions
In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
- Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
- Resume.
- List of three (3) professional references.
Only complete applications will be considered.
Application review begins Monday, October 19, 2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Benjamin Sikes, ben.sikes@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range: $62,400
Application Review Begins: Monday October 19, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: Sunday November 1, 2026