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MRSEC Education Director

Job Description


Department
 

PSD James Franck Institute: MRSEC


About the Department
 

The University of Chicago MRSEC is an NSF-funded research Center that facilitates innovation by tackling some of the deepest intellectual challenges of materials research through interdisciplinary, collaborative efforts among multiple research groups, spanning three academic divisions (PSD, PME, and BSD) on campus and includes external collaborators. We make a dedicated effort to foster a research environment that promotes creativity and rigor, and where students, postdocs, and faculty alike benefit from interactions with those with different technical backgrounds and research interests. This effort includes a strong commitment to education and outreach, including outreach to our inner-city neighborhoods and the general public. Central to our mission is nurturing the next generation of materials science researchers, and improving its diversity, through the successful training of students at all levels (undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral fellows) in our research labs. We operate Shared Facilities that enable state-of-the-art materials preparation and measurement, requiring resources beyond what can be attained by an individual research lab. Coupling these complementary aspects of our program strengthens the entire scientific enterprise and provides a vibrant resource to the University of Chicago, the broader materials science community, our neighborhood, and the public.


Job Summary
 

The MRSEC Educational Director is responsible for initiating, developing, implementing, assessing, evaluating, and reporting the outcomes of a broad portfolio of education and outreach programs. Collaborating with students, faculty, and staff in outreach-related matters; and advising students and other MRSEC researchers on outreach-related issues. The Education Director works in collaboration with the MRSEC Director, MRSEC staff, and other outreach professionals on campus in helping to set policies and procedures for MRSEC Education and Outreach Programs.

Responsibilities

  • Lead in the development, implementation, and coordination of K-12, teacher, and undergraduate outreach and summer education programs.

  • Lead in the development, implementation, and coordination of K-12 professional development opportunities for teachers, graduate students, and postdocs; content and demonstrations for nationally distributed science museum shows, and summer science camps; summer research experiences; recruitment and retention activities that emphasize community building, accessibility, and inclusion; and programs that increase the diversity of Center participants and member departments.

  • Ensures the excellence of program delivery and quality, as well as the active engagement of Center student and faculty researchers, are core responsibilities of this position.

  • Work collaboratively with educational training and outreach partners across the university on program development, including training programs and professional development opportunities.

  • Partner in developing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating supplemental education programs for undergraduate and graduate students, including science communications and mentor training.

  • Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment through active engagement in best practices for expanding the STEM pipeline for URMs, and ensuring that communication and outreach efforts promote an inclusive environment for all.

  • Attend the annual MRSEC Education Directors meeting and perform all the necessary functions related to that annual meeting.

  • Coordinate logistics and content of activities related to outreach and summer programming, working with key partners within and outside of UChicago (e.g., other MRSECs and institutions across the country) to implement high-quality programs and opportunities.

  • Assist in the development and implementation of assessment tools to measure outreach strategies and educational program performance and use assessment outcomes to inform program development and revisions.

  • Maintains and updates communications around outreach opportunities, events, and activities (website, newsletters, email).

  • Help to prepare the annual report as it relates to MRSEC outreach and education activities.

  • Develop and maintain active relationships with the Office of Civic Engagement, local K-12 schools, and education and outreach initiatives across the university, the city, and the nation.

  • Assists with the development and implementation of educational outreach programs. May collaborate with teachers on implementing curriculum in the classroom.

  • Develop and carry out regular evaluations of all outreach and education programs to track impact. Documents the performance of all programs, making or recommending improvements when appropriate.

  • Uses knowledge of the divisional vision and values to assess, evaluate, and recommend opportunities for collaboration with partners.

  • Supports broader student initiatives.

  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:         

  • Graduate Degree in STEM, Education, or a related field.

Experience:       

  • Knowledge and skills developed through 5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

  • Experience working with diverse populations, for example, in Chicago Public Schools and Chicago’s South Side.

  • Experience implementing and evaluating outreach programming.

  • Familiarity with STEM subject matter within the context of K-12 education and NGSS standards.

  • Demonstrated success in maintaining collaborative relationships with diverse constituencies.

  • Commitment to an outreach educational mission that focuses on equitable access to opportunities and broadening participation in STEM.

Preferred Competencies

  • Ability to work collaboratively and independently within a team environment.

  • Excellent organizational skills, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail.

  • Ability to manage day-to-day duties of multiple projects at the same time, with a vision for short- and long-term planning and implementation.

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.

  • Professionalism, enthusiasm, a positive attitude, a strong interest in STEM education, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Working Conditions

  • On-campus full-time.

Application Documents

  • Resume (required)

  • Cover Letter (required)

  • Writing Sample (an example of professional-level communications, this should be approximately 1-2 pages in length)

  • References (preferred)



When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.



Job Family
 

Academic Affairs


Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor


FLSA Status
 

Exempt


Pay Frequency
 

Monthly


Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5


Benefits Eligible
 

Yes


Drug Test Required
 

No


Health Screen Required
 

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No


Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.


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