Associate Director, Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences Program

About the role

Under limited supervision from two Faculty Directors, the Associate Director of the Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences (Vagelos MLS) Scholars program has broad responsibility for the administration of all aspects of this program. This position includes academic advising to undergraduate scholars (roughly 120 scholars at any one time), overseeing core student experiences including summer research and educational experiences during the academic year, managing reporting of student progress, assembling information regarding graduates, program assessment, and managing events such as guest lectures. The Associate Director works with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in the recruitment and admission of prospective students and oversees the creation and maintenance of program publications and website. The Associate Director oversees the Vagelos MLS Program Coordinator and reports to the two Faculty Co‑Directors.

The Roy & Diana Vagelos Scholars Program in the Molecular Life Sciences (Vagelos MLS) 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, including stipend‑supported research during the summers after the second and third years. In years three and four, students explore academic interests via coursework, 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.

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Department: School of Arts and Sciences

Responsibilities

• Under limited supervision of the Faculty Directors, manage the academic mission and direction of the program.
• Manage administrative aspects for the Vagelos MLS program.
• Oversee the development and implementation of program events with the Vagelos MLS student board (VSB).
• Provide academic advising for students enrolled in the program and coordinate advising with the Faculty Directors.
• Manage academic and research experiences for Vagelos MLS Scholars.
• Provide feedback to students on research experiences, program‑associated assignments, and solicit student feedback on their experiences (yearly).
• Develop and implement methods of evaluation and other related material for assessment and program administration purposes.
• Create and maintain quantitative institutional data for reports, perform statistical analyses of data, and research and write annual reports.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of the program and its components and make recommendations for improvement to the Faculty Directors.
• Participate in Scholar recruitment and admissions with the Office 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 annual budget to present to the School of Arts and Sciences Deans; monitor the budget and oversee financial transactions.
• Oversee day‑to‑day responsibilities of MLS Program Coordinator.
• Assist in developing an MLS‑specific academic year calendar of events from admission to graduation of the fellows.
• Contribute to timely production of the MLS newsletter and community‑building events.
• Support Vagelos MLS admissions and matriculation activities, including Quaker Days and New Student Orientation.
• Maintain the Vagelos MLS website.
• Under limited supervision of the Faculty Directors, assist with education, 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 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 student mentoring and advising.
• Previous experience in teaching, advising, and/or administration at the college level is ideal.
• Familiarity with UPenn’s administrative systems and experience partnering with various campus resource centers and advising systems preferred.
• Supervisory experience is a plus but not necessary.
• Ability to lead/participate in occasional evening or weekend events is required.
• Preference given to candidates having an undergraduate degree in a natural science and graduate degree in Natural Science and/or Education with a Science focus.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Pay

$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 the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and