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Director, Research Administration & STEM Education - Center for Engineering Mechanobiology (CEMB) - Penn Engineering
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Position Number: 5940741
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type: Education - Teacher Education - Elementary

Director, Research Administration & STEM Education - Center for Engineering Mechanobiology (CEMB) - Penn Engineering

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
Director, Research Administration & STEM Education - Center for Engineering Mechanobiology (CEMB) - Penn Engineering

Job Profile Title
Manager Research Project B

Job Description Summary
Director, Research Administration & STEM Education (MDRASE) will provide leadership and management of CEMB research administration and educational research across the multi-institutional center. They will 1) develop and execute the vision and planning of the Center's mission and in collaboration with the Director of Education and the Managing Director, Education Partnerships & Equity focus on growing the Center's research and knowledge transfer portfolio, 2) supervise the management of operations, grant administration, and financial performance to support and sustain growth, and 3) ensure an environment that champions a collaborative approach across all research projects. The MDRASE will drive educational research initiatives on new trends, best practices and challenges in STEM education for young learners and will develop and disseminate innovative practices and curricula that can inform the field. The MDRASE will supervise staff and trainees working within education/knowledge transfer programs and initiatives. They will cultivate strong buy-in and engagement from stakeholders, and will engage donors, faculty, teachers, trainees, students, and alumni in the mission of the Center, creating opportunities for community involvement and feedback.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategic plans in alignment with the CEMB goals and vision:

Collaborate with senior CEMB leadership in developing and implementing a strategic plan for the CEMB's education legacy and sustainability in alignment with CEMB's vision and goals. Identify strategies and opportunities for new program funding and direct efforts in researching, writing, and submitting new funding proposals. Cultivate relationships with prospective donors, develop philanthropic proposals and research prospectuses to secure funding, and conduct research on funding prospects to identify alignment with CEMB goals. Regularly consult with stakeholders to integrate current trends and ensure the Center's initiatives receive broad support. Secure funding through grants, gifts, and strategic partnerships to realize an enduring legacy for the Center.

Support, sustain and grow a robust research infrastructure:

Lead annual funding report writing for $25 million per cycle ($39 million thus far) National Science Foundation (NSF) Science and Technology Center (award # 1548571) and supervise grant administration across the Center; manage NSF site visits and direct Center-wide personnel in preparatory steps. Includes collecting faculty annual reports, collating and synthesizing multi-institutional research data, writing and submitting annual reports, running practice sessions, defining and coordinating site visit program.

Ensure effective and efficient operational processes that enables ongoing fiscal strength:

Manage day-to-day operations at the Center and serve as financial steward of grant funds. Includes managing and overseeing disbursement of center funds, resource allocation, budget management and compliance, supervising paid staff and trainees, website upkeep, newsletter creation and dissemination, biweekly research seminar series coordination and logistics, serving as liaison between senior leadership and internal/external stakeholders, and managing and overseeing CEMB spaces and education resources.

Design, implement and evaluate teacher research experiences and curriculum development:

Develop, direct, and lead the Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program, including recruitment and overseeing participants; design Mechanobiology 101 curriculum, lead weekly professional development meetings during the summer and then quarterly during the academic year. Oversee and direct teacher participants' execution of program goals and deliverables. Includes forging partnerships with local school communities to implement and evaluate new curricula during the academic year; facilitating and co-authoring teachers' publications of lesson plans in peer-reviewed journals.

Conduct STEM education research to advance knowledge in the field:

Conduct education research of CEMB education programs using a design-based research methodology. Conceptualize research studies, collect data, analyze data, and author peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings to disseminate the Center's education research and accomplishments. Aid Center members in IRB submissions and advises on education-related research. Cultivate partnerships with Graduate School of Education (GSE) faculty and provide mentorship and training to 2-4 GSE graduate student interns per year to enhance research output.

Scale up teacher professional development in mechanobiology:

Create open-access, online teacher professional development course resulting from RET program goals and experiences using classroom tested, high quality mechanobiology curricula on a large scale. Digitize professional development resources for K12 teachers and disseminates work widely. Work with CEMB members and university partners to develop a mechanobiology video series that will be featured in educational resources and on the CEMB YouTube channel.

Pursue synergistic collaborations to promote knowledge transfer:

Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams and cultivates lasting relationships with program alumni and community contacts. Build and maintain relationships with local school district teachers and administrators, community organizations, and other local partners to further education initiatives. Leverage connections across the center, university and the local community to develop new, synergistic collaborations for current and future projects. This includes designing and implementing mechanobiology workshops and lessons at regional schools and Center partners, The Franklin Institute, FirstHand, and with other community partners. Engage CEMB members to participate and contribute to these activities.

Assist with other educational programs and CEMB events as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, biophysics, mechanical engineering, education, or closely related discipline with 5-7 years teaching and program director-related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master's and/or Ph.D. in one of the related disciplines or a terminal degree in education (PhD, EdD) and research experience strongly preferred.
A proven-track record of empirical research and experience publishing peer-reviewed STEM education research and/or the learning sciences.
Ability to independently scope and run multiple, concurrent projects independently.
Experience in organizing, coordinating and running site visits, conferences and symposia.
Knowledge and experience in program evaluation and assessment.
Excellent interpersonal skills and strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams.
Experience developing and leading workshops, seminars, or other training sessions. Classroom and teaching experience.
Demonstrated proficiency in teaching STEM integration to diverse audiences preferred. Experience with relevance to mechanobiology preferred.

Some travel required to partner institutions and conferences.

Position is contingent on continued funding.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
School of Engineering and Applied Science

Pay Range
$61,046.00 - $90,000.00 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, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements
Background check 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

To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/LRSM/Director--Research-Administration---STEM-Education---Center-for-Engineering-Mechanobiology--CEMB----Penn-Engineering_JR00102004