Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

University Arts and Collections (UAC) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral scholar to serve as project manager of a newly funded 3-year grant program focused on undergraduate career and professional development. UAC includes the Beal Botanical Garden, the MSU Broad Art Museum, the MSU Museum, and the Wharton Center. These key public-facing units within the Office of the Provost advance the learning and discovery of the university in ways that serve both campus and the state of Michigan.

This position will join a cross-unit UAC team and Michigan State University’s Ethics Institute to run and evaluate a new program called Discovery via Internships: Forming Spartan Character through Engaging, Reflecting, and Networking (DISCERN). DISCERN prepares students to understand how their professional work can contribute to the common good. The program’s civic professionalism framework invites UAC interns to integrate disciplinary training, work experience, and character traits and values through participation in peer communities of practice and alumni mentoring networks. Impacting up to 400 interns each year, DISCERN explores a scalable model for impactful internship outcomes. The program is funded by the Educating Character Initiative through the generous support of Lilly Endowment Inc.

About the role

The postdoctoral scholar will report to the Vice Provost for University Arts and Collections, who is the PI for the project. The scholar will collaborate with the PI and project team to implement the program plans and ensure they align with the project goals and objectives.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating program elements across teams and partners
• Coordinating and overseeing the intern communities of practice, including supervising the work of the cohort peer mentors
• Collaborating with partners in designing program structure and activities
• Coordinating regular project meetings in collaboration with the PI
• Managing project logistics, including scheduling and organizing training sessions, helping to prepare training materials, and tracking participation
• Establishing tracking systems for ensuring that project timelines are followed and activities are completed on time and within budget
• Establishing and maintaining shared file and information repositories
• Assisting in data analysis and reporting on the impact of program activities
• Working with the program team to produce articles and presentations for dissemination at conferences and journals
• Participating in conferences related to the program

Requirements

• Doctoral degree (PhD) preferred in education, arts, humanities, psychology, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in project management
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-based environment
• Experience working with undergraduates, either in the classroom or in an informal setting

Qualifications

• Teaching experience at the college or university level
• Experience with mixed-methods assessment and data analysis
• Experience in supervising and mentoring undergraduates
• Demonstrated ability to work on and complete complex projects with multiple deadlines
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Exceptional organization and time-management skills

Review of applications begins on September 11, 2026.