Associate Director, Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences Program

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

Associate Director, Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences Program

Job Profile Title

Associate Director C, Student Services, Undergraduate Programs

Job Description Summary

Under limited supervision from two Faculty Directors, the Associate Director of the Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences (Vagelos MLS) Scholars program has broad responsibility for the administration of all aspects of this program. This position will include academic advising to undergraduate scholars (roughly 120 scholars at any one time), overseeing core student experiences including summer research and educational experiences during the academic year, managing reporting of student progress, assembling information regarding graduates, program assessment, and managing events such as guest lectures. The Associate Director will work with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in the recruitment and admission of prospective students and will oversee the creation and maintenance of program publications and website. The Associate Director oversees the Vagelos MLS Program Coordinator and reports to the two Faculty Co-Directors.

Job Description

The Roy & Diana Vagelos Scholars Program in the Molecular Life Sciences (Vagelos MLS) 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. Vagelos MLS Scholars carry out mentored research, which includes stipend-supported research during the summers after the second and third years. Students learn the fundamentals of research at the scientific frontier. In years three and four, students explore academic interests via coursework, 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.

Responsibilities:

• Under limited supervision of the Faculty Directors, manage the academic mission and direction of the program. Manage administrative aspects for the Vagelos MLS program. Oversee the development and implementation of program events with the Vagelos MLS student board (VSB).
• Provide academic advising for students enrolled in the program and coordinate advising with the Faculty Directors. Manage academic and research experiences for Vagelos MLS Scholars.
• Provide feedback to students on research experiences, program-associated assignments, and solicit student feedback on their experiences (yearly).
• Develop and implement methods of evaluation and other related material for assessment and program administration purposes. Create and maintain quantitative institutional data for reports, perform statistical analyses of data, and research and write annual reports. Conduct ongoing assessment of the program and its components and make recommendations for improvement to the Faculty Directors.
• Participate in Scholar recruitment and admissions with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Financial Services. Oversee creation and maintenance of Program publications, communications and website.
• In conjunction with the Faculty Directors, develop the annual budget to present to the School of Arts and Sciences Deans. Monitor the budget and oversee financial transactions.
• Oversee day-to-day responsibilities of MLS Program Coordinator. Assist in developing an MLS-specific academic year calendar of events from admission to graduation of the fellows. Contribute to timely production of the MLS newsletter and community-building events. Support Vagelos MLS admissions and matriculation activities, including Quaker Days and New Student Orientation.
• Maintain the Vagelos MLS website.
• Under limited supervision of the Faculty Directors, assist with education, training, and assessment of Scholars.
• Coordinate special events involving program donors, graduates, staff, faculty, and current students.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 3 to 5 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 student mentoring and advising.
• Previous experience in teaching, advising, and/or administration at the college level is ideal.
• Familiarity with UPenn’s administrative systems and experience partnering with various campus resource centers and advising systems preferred.
• Supervisory experience is a plus but not necessary.
• Ability to lead/participate in occasional evening or weekend events is required.
• Preference given to candidates having an undergraduate degree in a natural science and graduate degree in Natural Science and/or Education with a Science focus.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$67,155.00 - $89,000.00 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, 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