Assistant Director for Undergraduate Research

Working/Functional Title

Assistant Director for Undergraduate Research

Position Summary

The MSU Undergraduate Research Office is seeking an Assistant Director for Undergraduate Research to direct and further develop the Pathways to Research Program, which is a mentoring program designed to help students secure a research position through a combination of advising, educational sessions, and engagement with current undergraduate researchers and research mentors. While the program is open to any undergraduate student, the primary focus is to support historically excluded students (e.g., race/ethnicity, women in STEM, first generation, Pell eligible) and assist in placing them into mentored research experiences. The individual would be responsible for the management and strategic planning, including selecting and training undergraduate and graduate facilitators, planning educational programs, recruiting graduate students, faculty, and academic staff to serve as mentors, and evaluating program outcomes.  In addition, this person would manage key programs within the larger Undergraduate Research Office, such as directing the Undergraduate Research Ambassador Program and managing the Responsible Conduct of Research program. 

As the Assistant Director for Undergraduate Research, the individual would manage key programs within the Undergraduate Research Office including, but not limited to the responsibilities outlined below:

• Select, train, and supervise the undergraduate research student ambassadors in their outreach and engagement programming for undergraduate students. 
• Manage the Responsible Conduct of Research program.
• Assist with all-office initiatives, such as providing support for the annual university-wide undergraduate research forums.
• Assist with analyzing student engagement data from university research forums, Provost’s Research Grants program, and other office initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

As the coordinator for the Pathways to Research Program, the individual would focus on the areas outlined below: 

• Further develop and improve the Pathway to Research Program that aids undergraduate students in securing research and creative activity experiences.  
• Develop interactive educational programming (in-person and virtual delivery formats) focused on achieving identified milestones (e.g., determining interest area, identifying mentors, practicing interviewing skills, securing a research experience, and becoming a productive team member). 
• Remain abreast of best practices and scholarship related to support undergraduate researchers, especially supporting historically excluded students in STEM fields.
• Facilitate meetings with research mentors and campus partners regarding supporting and creating a diverse pipeline of undergraduate students to engage in research and creative opportunities.
• Select, train, and supervise undergraduate and graduate student mentors.
• Collaborate with campus partners to develop graduate student, faculty, and academic staff networks of potential mentors across the university.
• Develop and analyze formative and summative evaluations of programs and use data to make informed decisions regarding program structure and delivery. 
• Present at local, regional, and national conferences about the Pathways program and related outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have experience working in a research laboratory and in supervising undergraduate students. Candidates should be able to demonstrate success in project management, possess strong written and oral communication skills, understand how to collect, analyze, and present data, and be able to work both independently and collaboratively in support of unit and division initiatives.  

Most of the work will occur during normal business hours, but some programming may occur during evening hours or on weekends, so there is some flexibility in the work schedule. There is an expectation of in-person work and the option for remote work on select days. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters

Minimum Requirements

Master's degree required.

Desired Qualifications

Laboratory experience or equivalent experience preferred.

Required Application Materials

A complete application packet will contain a resume or CV, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.  

Review of Applications Begins On

03/22/2024

Website

https://venture.msu.edu/

Department Statement

The Office Undergraduate Education seeks to help lead MSU's undergraduate student success initiatives by operationalizing MSU's stated beliefs that every student it admits has the capacity to learn, thrive, and graduate and that it is MSU's responsibility to provide an inclusive, equitable curriculum and environment with the academic, social, wellness, and financial support our students need to persist in college and succeed after graduation.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.