Job Details

Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences and Biochemistry, Undergraduate Program Coordinator

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title
Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences and Biochemistry, Undergraduate Program Coordinator

Job Profile Title
Academic Coordinator

Job Description Summary
Under limited supervision from the Associate Director and the faculty co-directors of the Vagelos Scholars Program in the Molecular Life Sciences (MLS) program and the Biochemistry major co-chairs, the Undergraduate Coordinator of the Biochemistry major and the Vagelos MLS program is responsible for administrative aspects of both programs. This position will interface with students on administrative issues (major declaration, submission of required documents, etc) for Vaglos MLS scholars and Biochemistry majors (roughly 150 between the two groups at any one time), overseeing administrative aspects of the summer research experiences, and arranging for accommodations/schedules of Biological Chemistry Department Seminars. The Biochemistry/Vagelos MLS coordinator will assist the directors in working with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in the recruitment and admission of prospective students and in maintenance of program publications and website. While supporting the programs and faculty co-chairs, this coordinator reports to the Vagelos MLS Associate Director and the Department of Chemistry Associate Director.

Job Description

The Roy & Diana Vagelos Scholars Program in the Molecular Life Sciences (Vagelos MLS) prepares an ambitious cohort undergraduates for careers at the frontiers of science. The program emphasizes developing fundamental knowledge in mathematics, chemistry, and physics in the first two undergraduate years. Subsequently, Scholars specialize in their chosen areas of science. Vagelos MLS Scholars pursue mentored research with research groups on or near the University of Pennsylvania campus. So that they can focus full time on the research, Scholars receive a stipend during the summers after the second and third years. Students gain firsthand experience with the fundamentals of research at the scientific frontier. Scholars explore academic interests via course work, complete requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, and continue with the research effort. Students are positioned to thrive in the best graduate and biomedical programs upon completing the Vagelos MLS Program and go on to careers at the forefront of their respective fields.

Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary major in the college, with support from the Department of Chemistry. Students learn that life processes can be understood in terms of concepts from math, physics and chemistry. The specificity and diversity of biological molecules, organisms, and ecosystems have their origins in chemistry and physics. Students learn that experimental observations and findings have limitations depending on the methods used for collecting and analyzing data. Students gain knowledge of the elements of mathematics and physical science necessary to design and interpret experimental and computational studies. A distinctive feature of the undergraduate Biochemistry program is a minimum of one year of mentored research (2 course units of BCHE 4597) in the final year. Host groups can be any one of the approximately 1000 independent basic and applied science research laboratories on or adjacent to the Penn campus. During this research participation, Biochemistry majors apply their knowledge toward scientific investigations while becoming familiar with scientific careers, including the progression from undergraduate to independent scientific investigator.

Duties:

Under the supervision of the Valegos MLS Associate Director, help carry out the academic mission and direction of the program. Implement administrative aspects for the Vagelos MLS program. Work with the Associate Director and faculty co-directors on the development and implementation of program events with the Vagelos MLS student board (VSB).
Provide administrative support for students enrolled in the Vagelos MLS program and coordinate advising with the Faculty Directors.
Manage administrative aspects of summer research experiences for Vagelos MLS Scholars and the academic year research of Biochemistry majors, including correspondence with faculty hosts and students.
Manage administrative pipeline for Associate director and co-directors and both programs (Biochemistry and MLS). Serve as communication link between the Biochemistry program and the University. Participate in recruitment and admissions with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Financial Services.
Assist the Associate director in activities relevant to the recruitment of incoming students
Assist the Associate director in organizing Biochemistry social events (e.g., Biochemistry poster session, major exploration events, and other social events for current majors)
Assist in maintenance of the Vagelos MLS and the Biochemistry websites and in production of relevant publications (e.g., biweekly newsletters or annual reports)
Maintain databases (e.g., via Excel or similar software) for Vagelos MLS program participants and Biochemistry majors (e.g., their majors, minors, host research groups, awards & honors, publications, and post-Penn academic activities). Create, coordinate, and publicize program and information services for Biochemistry majors and Vagelos MLS Scholars, including e-mail list serves.
Assist the Associate director, Biochemistry undergraduate student hosts, and faculty in organizing Biochemistry seminars, preparing the speakers' schedule, arranging hotel, and coordinating different funding sources (e.g., Chemistry Department seminar funding and Student Allocations Commission).
Assist as needed with administrative tasks in the Chemistry Department as assigned by the Chemistry Associate Director

Qualifications:

High School Grad/GE Degree and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. The preferred candidate will be familiar with the culture of academic scientific research and have experience with administrative aspects of undergraduate programs. Previous experience with UPenn's administrative systems and experience partnering with various campus resource centers and advising systems preferred. Ability to lead/participate in occasional evening or weekend events is required. Candidates should have excellent writing and editorial skills. Candidates must have facility with standard office software and learn specialized software as needed, such as that for webpage maintenance. Preference given to candidates with undergraduate degrees in natural science and experience with higher education.