Assistant Research Scientist

UM07 University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES); Solomons (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science invites applications for a Program Coordinator to enhance engagement in community-based geoscience research. The role includes project management, supporting community relations, and overseeing diverse programmatic initiatives. Preferred candidates are experienced in scientific research and community outreach, showcasing strong organizational and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in scientific research and community engagement preferred.
• Strong organizational skills for complex projects with multiple deadlines.
• CITI certification in social and behavioral human subject research is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support community members and manage project resources.
• Coordinate activities and assist in the strategic planning for ASPIRE.
• Handle administrative tasks and facilitate programmatic events.

Skills

Communication

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving

Education

PhD

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Qualtrics

SAP Concur

Job description

Assistant Research Scientist page is loaded

Assistant Research Scientist

Apply locations UMCES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory time type Full time posted on Posted 3 Days Ago job requisition id JR101653

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement: The Active Societal Participation In Research and Education (ASPIRE) Program invites applications for a Program Coordinator to support and advance engagement in place-based, community-based geoscience research. ASPIRE helps scientists learn to be good partners to communities, especially communities that have had less opportunity to guide, participate in, and benefit from science. For scientists, we offer virtual workshops, hands-on experiences working with host communities, seed funding, and a supportive peer network. We also work with institutional leaders who are transforming their departments to be better community partners.
ASPIRE is led by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) with key collaborators at the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and communities in Alaska, Maryland, Puerto Rico, and Washington.

Position Overview:
The Program Manager will play a key role in knitting ASPIRE programmatic offerings together, supporting community members, and coordinating activities, resources, and communications. The Program Manager will work with a diverse network of external parties. This includes participants in programmatic offerings, host communities, academic institutions, and NGOs, as well as provide support across ASPIRE’s internal leadership team. It is preferred that the Program Manager has experience in both scientific research and community engagement.

The Program Manager will provide administrative and project management leadership for ASPIRE and will report to Dr. Lora Harris at UMCES.


Physical Demands: Ability and willingness to travel overnight.
Ability and willingness to work occasional early mornings, nights, and/or weekends associated with ASPIRE programmatic events.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning & Communication
Project Management
Convening Coordination
Administrative Leadership
Other duties as assigned.

Examples of this work include: Coordinate annual reporting and the ASPIRE budget. Support strategic communications and facilitate steering committee and other management meetings. Support ASPIRE team with event planning and execution. Work with internal and external parties to organize travel, accommodations, meals, event space, and reimbursement logistics. Creatively problem solve when challenges arise and ensure clear communication between parties. Manage ASPIRE forms, agreements, and contracts. Support development of applications in Qualtrics. Work with UMCES Business Office and ASPIRE partners to ensure timely stipend and honorarium payment. Manage purchases and expenses across multiple grants.

Special Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Prior Experience
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and experience working with both Academic Geoscience and Place-based non-science communities.
Highly organized; able to create and manage work plans and timelines for complex projects with multiple deadlines and products.
Excellent writing and editing skills, especially in plain language summaries of complex work.
Quantitative administrative experience, including budgeting and forecasting.
Experience in organizing and managing multi-person working meetings and in facilitating and encouraging attendees to complete work effectively without micromanaging them.
Strong emotional intelligence including being able to read verbal and non-verbal cues during in-person and online meetings, manage diverse groups to ensure equity and equality of voice/participation.
Works creatively and independently as a team member.
CITI certification in social and behavioral human subject research is a plus.
Experience managing travel through SAP Concur is preferred.


Preferences: If you have a PhD, please apply via this position. If you have a Bachelor's or Masters degree, please use position number JR101648 with the title Faculty Research Assistant.
Geoscientist background OR experience working to bridge academic-community relations strongly preferred
Working knowledge of basic computer software (e.g. Microsoft Office, Zoom, Qualtrics).
Ability to relocate and be on-site at UMCES-CBL (Solomons Maryland) at least 2 days per week.


Licenses/ Certifications: n/a

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: Applicant must submit cover letter, cv and contact information of 3 references. Applicant's with Bachelors or Masters should apply to the Faculty Research Assistant position JR101648

Best Consideration Date: June 10, 2025

Posting Close Date: n/a

Open Until Filled: yes

Department

UMCES-Chesapeake Biological Laboratory

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$60,000 to $72,000

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is an equal opportunity employer. The Center’s policies, programs, and activities are in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements should be directed to the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Center Administration, 2020 Horns Point Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613.

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Welcome to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Employment Website! UMCES is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff to support our mission. The Center regularly updates employment opportunities with each of its research laboratories and center administration. Thank you for your interest in employment with UMCES.

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science unleashes the power of science to transform the way society understands and manages the environment. By conducting cutting-edge research into today’s most pressing environmental problems, we are developing new ideas to help guide our state, nation, and world toward a more environmentally sustainable future through five research centers—the Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons, the Horn Point Laboratory in Cambridge, the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology in Baltimore, and the Maryland Sea Grant College in College Park.

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is an equal opportunity employer. The Center’s policies, programs, and activities are in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements should be directed to the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Center Administration, 2020 Horns Point Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613.

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UMCES Human Resources Department
Center Administration

2020 Horns Point Road
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: [phone]