BLaST Research, Advising and Mentoring Professional

• JOB NUMBER: 521282

• CLASSIFICATION: Research Professional 3

• GRADE: Grade 80

• WORK TYPE: Hybrid, On Campus, Staff Full-time

• ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT: University of Alaska Fairbanks

• SCHOOL/BUSINESS UNIT: UAF College of Nat Science & Math

• LOCATION: Fairbanks

• CATEGORIES: Research/Science/Grants

Position Summary:

The Biomedical Learning and Student Training (BLaST) program enhances capacity for undergraduate biomedical research training and efficacy for engaging students from diverse, especially rural Alaskan, backgrounds in education and training for biomedical research careers. Join our team!

Duties:

Teaching and Outreach Serve as instructor or lead for BLaST biomedical courses and summer workshops. Coordinate and participate in development, organization and delivery of the biomedical courses as described in the BLaST grant. Design, develop and conduct learning experiences in classrooms, laboratories, and in communities. Assist with creation and development of summer research experiences, summer workshops, and outreach activities. Network, advertise, recruit students, and act as liaison with STEM departments, faculty, staff, and student organizations to promote BLaST and undergraduate research funding opportunities. Contribute to, and assist with, development of the BLaST community by coordination and facilitation of student, cultural, and community outreach activities. 20% Program Support Understand the BLaST grant and grant objectives and develop ways to collaborate with other organizations and programs. Identify improvements, issues, or additional services to the program and lead efforts to find solutions. Attend meetings to share information, provide updates on current projects, and discuss students’ status. Assist with preparation and evaluation of student applications and assist in selecting recipients of scholarships and funding. Assist with annual reports and generating and compiling data as requested. Possible travel within and outside of Alaska to promote the BLaST program and attend conferences to support students’ research presentations. Participate in mentor training, cultural awareness workshops, and other professional trainings, as required. Collaborate with other departments, programs, and organizations to disseminate program information and to share funding and research opportunities with students.

Mentoring Comprehensively and holistically mentor undergraduate students and provide academic advising. Meet regularly with students to: create individual development plans (IDP), monitor academic progress, provide psychosocial support, provide guidance on research projects and career pathways, and promote STEM opportunities. Understand and be aware of students’ personal circumstances and individual needs to promote academic success and foster personal growth. Help students navigate challenges both personally and professionally. Keep records of advising sessions. Refer students to appropriate resources for complex problems.

Research Provide guidance and mentor undergraduate students in biomedical research projects and assist with identifying and developing research projects of interest. Coordinate with faculty to integrate research into teaching and/or develop curriculum. Maintain contact and provide support to faculty and graduate students at UAF and partner campuses on research projects in which undergraduate students are involved to ensure undergraduate student success on these projects. Publish research project results and provide oversight and guidance on publications that involve undergraduate students. Assist students with statistical analysis of research data and with the creation of poster and oral research presentations. Collaborate on research projects with graduate students, faculty, and other research professionals and communicate findings. Assist students with developing budgets and purchasing supplies for research projects.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

This position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability work in a busy environment. The successful applicant must be able to effectively network, be highly self-motivated, take the initiative, build relationships, and collaborate with a wide range of departments and individuals.

• Knowledge and familiarity with scientific methodology.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Excellent active listening, intercultural competency, and conflict resolution skills.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work as a team and collaborate with others.
• Ability to troubleshoots situations to determine the best course of action.
• Ability to meet deadlines, multitask ,and prioritize in a busy environment.
• Ability to communicate with students from a variety of backgrounds.

TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:

Two or more years of research experience at the graduate level in a field relevant to biomedical research and/or One Health.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with undergraduate students in an academic and research setting; Experience working with and traveling to rural communities in Alaska; Experience teaching and/or tutoring college students

REQUIRED EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

Minimum Master of Science Degree or master’s degree in science-related field; 1-2 years of experience in teaching in the biomedical science fields, research, or equivalent combination of training and experience.

This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. New hires will be placed on the UA staff salary schedule, Grade 80, based on education and experience.

Review Date:

The search committee will begin reviewing applicant materials on Monday, August 8, 2022. To ensure consideration, please apply prior to Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 11:55 pm Alaska Standard Time. A complete application will include a resume, cover letter specific to this position, and three professional references, with contact information.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

UAF COVID Requirements:  

Effective immediately, all new UAF hires, whose job function or work location results in the employee being subject to the UAF vaccine requirements guided by the Federal Contractor Employee vaccine mandate*, must be fully vaccinated with an FDA- or WHO- authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption no later than six weeks from the new hire's start date.   *Employees based on UAF’s Troth Yeddha’ (Fairbanks) campus, regardless of university affiliation and remote work status; Employees based in UAF research units outside Fairbanks (including Seward Marine Center, Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, HAARP, Poker Flat, Lena Point, and Toolik Field Station); and Employees, regardless of their work location, paid by or directly working on impacted UAF federal contract.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact University of Alaska HR at 907-450-8200.