Career Services Specialist – Advanced Professional

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Flexible work arrangements

Excellent benefits

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Career Services Specialist- Advanced Professional to advance undergraduate student engagement in research and experiential learning. You will design programs, advise students on opportunities, and guide applications to summer and national programs, collaborating across campus to maximize student success in research paths.

The role involves delivering in-person, virtual, and hybrid programming, mentoring students, and participating in campus events

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree plus 3+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination accepted.
• Experience advising undergraduate students in research or related settings.
• Experience coordinating undergraduate research programs and workshops.
• Strong presentation and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, coordinate, and assess undergraduate research programs and initiatives (virtual, hybrid, in-person).
• Coordinate the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) including recruitment and logistics.
• Meet individually with students to discuss research interests and opportunities.
• Develop workshops and programming related to undergraduate research and graduate education preparation.
• Teach and mentor in courses such as SC 100: Introduction to Research.

Skills

Undergraduate advising

Program coordination

Undergrad research knowledge

Educational programming

Public speaking

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Office of Science Engagement, within the Eberly College of Science, seeks candidates for the position of Career Services Specialist- Advanced Professional, a key contributor to advancing undergraduate student engagement in research opportunities and experiential learning.

The Career Services Specialist- (Research) will design, deliver, and evaluate programs that support Eberly College of Science students in exploring, securing, and succeeding in undergraduate research opportunities at Penn State and beyond.

The selected candidate will work closely with students to support the following:

• Encourage participation in undergraduate research experiences across the Eberly College of Science and the broader Penn State community
• Advise students on identifying research opportunities that align with their academic and professional goals
• Guide students through the process of securing research positions, including developing effective application materials and communicating with potential faculty mentors
• Assist students in exploring and applying to summer undergraduate research programs, including Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs), institutional summer research programs, and other national opportunities
• Support students as they prepare for the next stages of their research journey, including summer research experiences, presentation opportunities, graduate school exploration, and research-focused career pathways
• Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of research engagement programs, workshops, and advising services

This position works collaboratively with the Office of Science Engagement team, Eberly College of Science academic departments, faculty mentors, Undergraduate Research and Fellowship and Mentoring, and other campus partners to develop and deliver innovative undergraduate research programming that promotes student success and engagement.

Duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Design, implement, coordinate, and assess undergraduate research programs and initiatives (virtual, hybrid, and in-person)
• Coordinate the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program, including student recruitment, application management, program logistics, participant support, and program assessment
• Meet individually with undergraduate students to discuss research interests, identify opportunities, and provide guidance on securing research experiences at Penn State and externally
• Develop and deliver workshops, presentations, and programming related to undergraduate research engagement, summer research opportunities, research skill development, graduate education preparation, and professional development
• Serve as a guest lecturer in undergraduate courses and student programs on topics related to finding and engaging in undergraduate research
• Teach SC 100: Introduction to Research, including curriculum delivery, student mentoring, and assessment
• Collaborate with faculty, departments, and campus partners to increase awareness of, and access to, undergraduate research opportunities
• Develop resources and initiatives that help students navigate research pathways and take the next step in their academic and professional development
• Coordinate marketing and communication efforts related to undergraduate research opportunities through websites, publications, digital communications, and social media in partnership with the Office of Science Engagement
• Represent the Office of Science Engagement at on-campus and off-campus events, which may occasionally require evening and weekend hours

Required Qualifications

• Successful candidates must either have demonstrated a commitment to building an inclusive, equitable, and diverse campus community or describe one or more ways they would contribute to these efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with undergraduate students in academic advising, mentoring, research, or related educational settings
• Experience coordinating or supporting undergraduate research programs
• Knowledge of undergraduate research opportunities, summer research programs, and pathways to graduate education
• Experience developing and delivering educational programming, workshops, or classroom instruction
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Exemplary attention to detail and organizational skills
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to build collaborative partnerships across campus
• Strong problem‑solving skills and comfort developing and improving processes

Application Requirements

Candidates are required to submit both a cover letter and résumé with their application. The cover letter should highlight their experience supporting undergraduate student success, mentoring students, developing educational programs, and fostering engagement in undergraduate research. This position will require successful completion of the three publicly available clearances: Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check (SP4-164) Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY-113) Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Background Check (Criminal History Report)

Flexible Work

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Required Certifications: None

Background Checks/Clearances

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
• Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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