Associate Director, Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences Program

University of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 67,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition assistance

Retirement plans

Flexible work hours

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA is seeking an Associate Director for the Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences Program to oversee administration, advising, and academic experiences for roughly 120 undergraduate scholars.

Under limited supervision, you will coordinate with two Faculty Co-Directors, manage events, publications, and program communications, and help recruit and matriculate students while maintaining program integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degrees required (B.S. or B.A.) and 3–5 years of related experience.
• Experience mentoring and advising students in an academic setting.
• Teaching, advising, and/or administration at the college level preferred.
• Familiarity with UPenn systems and campus resources preferred.
• Ability to lead or participate in occasional evening or weekend events.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the academic mission and administrative aspects of the Vagelos MLS program.
• Coordinate advising with Faculty Directors and manage student research experiences.
• Develop evaluation methods, compile data, and prepare annual reports.
• Recruit and admit scholars in collaboration with Admissions and Financial Services.
• Manage program publications, communications, and website.
• Assist in annual budget development and financial oversight.
• Oversee MLS Program Coordinator and calendar of events.
• Support MLS admissions, orientation, and newsletters.
• Maintain the Vagelos MLS website.

Skills

Student mentoring

Advising

Teaching experience

Administration

Supervisory experience

Evening/weekend events

Education

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Arts

Job description

Associate Director, Vagelos Molecular Life SciencesProgram

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer inPhiladelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research,and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranksamong the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & WorldReport survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provideopportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education,all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach toscholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been rankednationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbeswho named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city ofPhiladelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urbancampus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, andrecreational activities. With its historical significance andlandmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety ofatmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home forwork and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includesexcellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and theirfamilies, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety ofprofessional development opportunities, supportive work and familybenefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources,and much more.

Posted Job Title

Associate Director, Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences Program

Job Profile Title

Associate Director C, Student Services, UndergraduatePrograms

Job Description Summary

Under limited supervision from two Faculty Directors, the AssociateDirector of the Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences (Vagelos MLS)Scholars program has broad responsibility for the administration ofall aspects of this program. This position will include academicadvising to undergraduate scholars (roughly 120 scholars at any onetime), overseeing core student experiences including summerresearch and educational experiences during the academic year,managing reporting of student progress, assembling informationregarding graduates, program assessment, and managing events suchas guest lectures. The Associate Director will work with the Officeof Undergraduate Admissions in the recruitment and admission ofprospective students and will oversee the creation and maintenanceof program publications and website. The Associate Directoroversees the Vagelos MLS Program Coordinator and reports to the twoFaculty Co-Directors.

Job Description

The Roy & Diana Vagelos Scholars Program in the Molecular LifeSciences (Vagelos MLS) emphasizes developing fundamental knowledgein mathematics, chemistry, and physics in the first twoundergraduate years. Subsequently, Scholars specialize in theirchosen areas of science. Vagelos MLS Scholars pursue mentoredresearch with research groups on or near the University ofPennsylvania campus. Vagelos MLS Scholars carry out mentoredresearch, which includes stipend-supported research during thesummers after the second and third years. Students learn thefundamentals of research at the scientific frontier. In years threeand four, students explore academic interests via coursework,complete requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, andcontinue with the research effort. Students are positioned tothrive in the best graduate and biomedical programs upon completingthe Vagelos MLS Program and go on to careers at the forefront oftheir respective fields.

Responsibilities:

• Under limited supervision of the Faculty Directors, manage theacademic mission and direction of the program. Manageadministrative aspects for the Vagelos MLS program. Oversee thedevelopment and implementation of program events with the VagelosMLS student board (VSB).
• Provide academic advising for students enrolled in the programand coordinate advising with the Faculty Directors. Manage academicand research experiences for Vagelos MLS Scholars.
• Provide feedback to students on research experiences,program-associated assignments, and solicit student feedback ontheir experiences (yearly).
• Develop and implement methods of evaluation and other relatedmaterial for assessment and program administration purposes. Createand maintain quantitative institutional data for reports, performstatistical analyses of data, and research and write annualreports. Conduct ongoing assessment of the program and itscomponents and make recommendations for improvement to the FacultyDirectors.
• Participate in Scholar recruitment and admissions with theOffice of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Financial Services.Oversee creation and maintenance of Program publications,communications and website.
• In conjunction with the Faculty Directors, develop the annualbudget to present to the School of Arts and Sciences Deans. Monitorthe budget and oversee financial transactions.
• Oversee day-to-day responsibilities of MLS Program Coordinator.Assist in developing an MLS-specific academic year calendar ofevents from admission to graduation of the fellows. Contribute totimely production of the MLS newsletter and community-buildingevents. Support Vagelos MLS admissions and matriculationactivities, including Quaker Days and New Student Orientation.
• Maintain the Vagelos MLS website.
• Under limited supervision of the Faculty Directors, assist witheducation, training, and assessment of Scholars.
• Coordinate special events involving program donors, graduates,staff, faculty, and current students.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 3 to 5 years ofexperience or equivalent combination of education and experience isrequired.
• The preferred candidate will be familiar with the culture ofacademic scientific research and have experience with studentmentoring and advising.
• Previous experience in teaching, advising, and/oradministration at the college level is ideal.
• Familiarity with UPenn's administrative systems and experiencepartnering with various campus resource centers and advisingsystems preferred.
• Supervisory experience is a plus but not necessary.
• Ability to lead/participate in occasional evening or weekendevents is required.
• Preference given to candidates having an undergraduate degreein a natural science and graduate degree in Natural Science and/orEducation with a Science focus.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$67,155.00 - $89,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications,experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to therequirements of the position, and in alignment with salary rangesbased on external market data for the job's level. Internalorganization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer.Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race,color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin(including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenshipstatus, age, disability, veteran status or any class protectedunder applicable federal, state, or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer ismade. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to therequirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Pennoffers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health,dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and yourfamily's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spendingaccounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent careexpenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuitionbenefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can gettuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are alsoeligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans tohelp you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, andSupplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on apre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investmentoptions through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with asubstantial amount of time away from work during the course of theyear. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personalaffairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time withfamily-whatever your personal needs may be.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with GenworthFinancial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible familymembers) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of thecosts of long-term care services received at home, in the communityor in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, youwon't have to provide proof of good health or be subject tounderwriting requirements. Eligible family members must alwaysprovide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed tosupporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competingdemands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a widevariety of programs and resources to help you care for your health,your family, and your work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides anarray of resources to help you advance yourself personally andprofessionally.
• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community,you have access to a wide range of University resources as well ascultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of theUniversity's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit ourarboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on atPenn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latestmusic or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the PennRelays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a memberof the Penn community, you're right in the middle of theexcitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of theseactivities for free.
• Discounts and Special Services: From arts andentertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find greatdeals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts andcultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admissionand memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoysubstantial savings on other goods and services such as new carsfrom Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movietickets, and admission to theme parks.
• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offercreative approaches for completing work while promoting balancebetween work and personal commitments. These approaches involve useof non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or jobstructures.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivableloan for eligible employees interested in buying a home orcurrently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used forclosing costs or home improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligibleemployees on qualified expenses in connection with the legaladoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for upto two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer.Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race,color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin(including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenshipstatus, age, disability, veteran status or any class protectedunder applicable federal, state, or local law.