Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences and Biochemistry, Undergraduate Program Coordinator

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences and Biochemistry, Undergraduate Program Coordinator

Job Profile Title

Academic Coordinator

Job Description Summary

Under limited supervision from the Associate Director and the faculty co-directors of the Vagelos Scholars Program in the Molecular Life Sciences (MLS) program and the Biochemistry major co-chairs, the Undergraduate Coordinator of the Biochemistry major and the Vagelos MLS program is responsible for administrative aspects of both programs. This position will interface with students on administrative issues (major declaration, submission of required documents, etc) for Vaglos MLS scholars and Biochemistry majors (roughly 150 between the two groups at any one time), overseeing administrative aspects of the summer research experiences, and arranging for accommodations/schedules of Biological Chemistry Department Seminars. The Biochemistry/Vagelos MLS coordinator will assist the directors in working with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in the recruitment and admission of prospective students and in maintenance of program publications and website. While supporting the programs and faculty co-chairs, this coordinator reports to the Vagelos MLS Associate Director and the Department of Chemistry Associate Director.

Job Description

The Roy & Diana Vagelos Scholars Program in the Molecular Life Sciences (Vagelos MLS) prepares an ambitious cohort undergraduates for careers at the frontiers of science. The program 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. So that they can focus full time on the research, Scholars receive a stipend during the summers after the second and third years. Students gain firsthand experience with the fundamentals of research at the scientific frontier.  Scholars explore academic interests via course work, 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.

Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary major in the college, with support from the Department of Chemistry. Students learn that life processes can be understood in terms of concepts from math, physics and chemistry. The specificity and diversity of biological molecules, organisms, and ecosystems have their origins in chemistry and physics. Students learn that experimental observations and findings have limitations depending on the methods used for collecting and analyzing data. Students gain knowledge of the elements of mathematics and physical science necessary to design and interpret experimental and computational studies. A distinctive feature of the undergraduate Biochemistry program is a minimum of one year of mentored research (2 course units of BCHE 4597) in the final year. Host groups can be any one of the approximately 1000 independent basic and applied science research laboratories on or adjacent to the Penn campus. During this research participation, Biochemistry majors apply their knowledge toward scientific investigations while becoming familiar with scientific careers, including the progression from undergraduate to independent scientific investigator.

Duties:

• Under the supervision of the Valegos MLS Associate Director, help carry out the academic mission and direction of the program. Implement administrative aspects for the Vagelos MLS program. Work with the Associate Director and faculty co-directors on the development and implementation of program events with the Vagelos MLS student board (VSB).

• Provide administrative support for students enrolled in the Vagelos MLS program and coordinate advising with the Faculty Directors.

• Manage administrative aspects of summer research experiences for Vagelos MLS Scholars and the academic year research of Biochemistry majors, including correspondence with faculty hosts and students.

• Manage administrative pipeline for Associate director and co-directors and both programs (Biochemistry and MLS). Serve as communication link between the Biochemistry program and the University. Participate in recruitment and admissions with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Financial Services.

• Assist the Associate director in activities relevant to the recruitment of incoming students

• Assist the Associate director in organizing Biochemistry social events (e.g., Biochemistry poster session, major exploration events, and other social events for current majors)

• Assist in maintenance of the Vagelos MLS and the Biochemistry websites and in production of relevant publications (e.g., biweekly newsletters or annual reports)

• Maintain databases (e.g., via Excel or similar software) for Vagelos MLS program participants and Biochemistry majors (e.g., their majors, minors, host research groups, awards & honors, publications, and post-Penn academic activities). Create, coordinate, and publicize program and information services for Biochemistry majors and Vagelos MLS Scholars, including e-mail list serves.

• Assist the Associate director, Biochemistry undergraduate student hosts, and faculty in organizing Biochemistry seminars, preparing the speakers' schedule, arranging hotel, and coordinating different funding sources (e.g., Chemistry Department seminar funding and Student Allocations Commission). 

• Assist as needed with administrative tasks in the Chemistry Department as assigned by the Chemistry Associate Director

Qualifications:

High School Grad/GE Degree and 5 to 7 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 administrative aspects of undergraduate programs.  Previous experience with UPenn’s administrative systems and experience partnering with various campus resource centers and advising systems preferred. Ability to lead/participate in occasional evening or weekend events is required. Candidates should have excellent writing and editorial skills. Candidates must have facility with standard office software and learn specialized software as needed, such as that for webpage maintenance. Preference given to candidates with undergraduate degrees in natural science and experience with higher education.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$21.52 - $29.00 Hourly 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.

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), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

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.

University 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 welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

​

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