Senior Administrative Specialist - Lab & PI Support

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center; Olivette (MO); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in Missouri seeks a Senior Administrative Assistant to provide advanced support to several Principal Investigators and their laboratories. This hybrid role requires on-site presence at least three days per week and includes mentorship of other administrative staff.

Responsibilities include managing calendars, coordinating domestic and international travel and visa processes, handling payroll proxies and expense reimbursements in SAP Concur, and assisting

Qualifications

• Provide advanced administrative support to multiple Principal Investigators (PIs) and their laboratories.
• Manage calendars and schedules for assigned PIs and laboratories.
• Coordinate payroll proxy duties and timekeeping actions.
• Assist with onboarding, postings, and interviewing for lab teams.
• Mentor and guide junior administrative staff.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate lab meetings, reserve room space, send invites and reminders, and schedule speakers.
• Greet visitors, manage incoming calls, and assist with guest logistics for meetings.
• Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements, including visa processing and conference registrations.
• Create domestic and international shipments and handle related customs tasks when necessary.
• Assist with safety training coordination and onboarding of new staff in laboratories.

Skills

Calendar management

Travel coordination

Payroll proxy

Vendor liaison

Administrative leadership

Document management

MS Office

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

SAP Concur

Microsoft Outlook

Google Docs

Google Calendar

Excel

Word

Job description

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in Missouri seeks a Senior Administrative Assistant to provide advanced support to several Principal Investigators and their laboratories. This hybrid role requires on-site presence at least three days per week and includes mentorship of other administrative staff.

Responsibilities include managing calendars, coordinating domestic and international travel and visa processes, handling payroll proxies and expense reimbursements in SAP Concur, and assisting