Career Services Specialist – Advanced Professional

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
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POSITION SPECIFICS​
The Office of Science Engagement, within the Eberly College of Science, seeks candidates for the position of Career Services Specialist- Advanced Professional, a key contributor to advancing undergraduate student engagement in research opportunities and experiential learning. The Career Services Specialist- (Research) will design, deliver, and evaluate programs that support Eberly College of Science students in exploring, securing, and succeeding in undergraduate research opportunities at Penn State and beyond.
The selected candidate will work closely with students to support the following:
Encourage participation in undergraduate research experiences across the Eberly College of Science and the broader Penn State community
Advise students on identifying research opportunities that align with their academic and professional goals
Guide students through the process of securing research positions, including developing effective application materials and communicating with potential faculty mentors
Assist students in exploring and applying to summer undergraduate research programs, including Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs), institutional summer research programs, and other national opportunities
Support students as they prepare for the next stages of their research journey, including summer research experiences, presentation opportunities, graduate school exploration, and research-focused career pathways
Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of research engagement programs, workshops, and advising services
This position works collaboratively with the Office of Science Engagement team, Eberly College of Science academic departments, faculty mentors, Undergraduate Research and Fellowship and Mentoring, and other campus partners to develop and deliver innovative undergraduate research programming that promotes student success and engagement.
Duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Design, implement, coordinate, and assess undergraduate research programs and initiatives (virtual, hybrid, and in-person)
Coordinate the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program, including student recruitment, application management, program logistics, participant support, and program assessment
Meet individually with undergraduate students to discuss research interests, identify opportunities, and provide guidance on securing research experiences at Penn State and externally
Develop and deliver workshops, presentations, and programming related to undergraduate research engagement, summer research opportunities, research skill development, graduate education preparation, and professional development
Serve as a guest lecturer in undergraduate courses and student programs on topics related to finding and engaging in undergraduate research
Teach SC 100: Introduction to Research, including curriculum delivery, student mentoring, and assessment
Collaborate with faculty, departments, and campus partners to increase awareness of, and access to, undergraduate research opportunities
Develop resources and initiatives that help students navigate research pathways and take the next step in their academic and professional development
Coordinate marketing and communication efforts related to undergraduate research opportunities through websites, publications, digital communications, and social media in partnership with the Office of Science Engagement
Represent the Office of Science Engagement at on-campus and off-campus events, which may occasionally require evening and weekend hours
Required Qualifications
Successful candidates must either have demonstrated a commitment to building an inclusive, equitable, and diverse campus community or describe one or more ways they would contribute to these efforts.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with undergraduate students in academic advising, mentoring, research, or related educational settings
Experience coordinating or supporting undergraduate research programs
Knowledge of undergraduate research opportunities, summer research programs, and pathways to graduate education
Experience developing and delivering educational programming, workshops, or classroom instruction
Strong presentation and public speaking skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Exemplary attention to detail and organizational skills
Team-oriented mindset with the ability to build collaborative partnerships across campus
Strong problem-solving skills and comfort developing and improving processes
Application Requirements
Candidates are required to submit both a cover letter and résumé with their application. The cover letter should highlight their experience supporting undergraduate student success, mentoring students, developing educational programs, and fostering engagement in undergraduate research.
This position will require successful completion of the three publicly available clearances:
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check (SP4-164)
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY-113)