Comm Rel/Outreach Assoc 3

Summary
The Build-a-Cell initiative is seeking a Coordinator to assist in operations of the community, including coordination of Build-a-Cell working groups, workshops, seminar series, and publications. The Coordinator will work closely with the PI and Steering Group on fulfilling the mission and objectives of the Build-a-Cell community.

The candidate will have the ability to initiate specific outreach and writing projects aligned with his or her interests, in coordination with the PI and overall goals of the Build-a-Cell. The candidate will not be expected to do any uncredited writing or editing of papers; all contributions to publications will be recognized with authorship.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

15% - Coordinate working groups, including assistance to the group technical leads in scheduling, coordinating meetings, logistics of collaborative writing and data preparation.

20% - Assist in drafting, writing and editing of Build-a-Cell papers, with the help of technical leads and research members of the community. The types of publications will range from scientific reviews, perspectives, op-eds, white papers, policy papers, to popular science and educational explainers.

15% - Draft and write op-eds, popular science explainers and commentaries co-authored with the PI and other members of the community.

5% - Organize workshops and meetings, including bi-annual Build-a-Cell Workshop series, develop agendas, coordinate on site logistics and disbursement of participant travel grants.

5% - Assist the PI in coordinating the virtual Build-a-Cell seminar series.

10% - Coordinate steering group meetings and the bi-annual working group feedback sessions.

5% - Assist the PI in updating the Build-a-Cell website (no coding skills are required).

10% - Coordinate outreach activities.

5% - Work with the PI on progress reports, and assist preparing funding applications.

5% - Assisting the PI in mentoring junior researchers working on specific writing assignments and projects.

5% - Other duties assigned as they become apparent.

All Required Qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications:

-BA/BS plus at least four years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years.

- Understanding of basics of bioengineering, synthetic biology and related areas. PhD is not required.

-Research background is welcomed if the candidate can demonstrate ability to draft, write and edit diverse writing styles. Note: background specifically in the field of synthetic cell engineering is not required; the candidate will be expected to learn the high-level overview of technical challenges and opportunities of this field.

- Demonstrated experience in multi-stakeholder project management and execution, including adherence to project timelines and reporting requirements; successfully navigating and leading complex, multi-part projects with overlapping deadlines and priorities.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including experience writing for varied audiences. Ability to synthesize inputs from a range of stakeholders and sources. Ability to draft and edit document addressed to a wide range of audiences (from technical papers, through policy and position statements, to popular audience explainers).

- Strong interpersonal skills and experience managing stakeholder relationships.

- Experience working on a team to meet objectives on time.

- Good communication and interpersonal skills, including experience writing for diverse audiences. Published examples representing candidate's writing skills are encouraged.

- Strong understanding of modern information technology and collaborative asynchronous working environment (Google Suite, Zoom, Adobe applications, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:

Journalism, science communication or policy background is welcomed, if the candidate can also demonstrate ability to learn basics of technical aspects of synthetic cell engineering.

The Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development comprises faculty from both the Medical School and the College of Biological Sciences. Faculty members are engaged in research in three key disciplines of the department-genetics, cell biology and developmental biology.

Pay Range: $30.10 ($62,608) - $32.70 ($68,016); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Time Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume - Both Must Be Attached.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).