Scientific Coordinator, The Evolutionary Studies Initiative (Term)

The Evolutionary Studies Initiative (ESI) at Vanderbilt University seeks a highly motivated, organized, and creative Scientific Coordinator. The Scientific Coordinator will work with the ESI Director and a diverse team of faculty, scientists, and administrators in developing and executing complex, transformative, and large-scale projects related to evolutionary studies and ESI's mission. Reporting directly to the ESI Director, the Scientific Coordinator will manage scientific projects, coordinate and write grant applications in collaboration with ESI faculty members, coordinate communications, and oversee outreach activities.

The Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies Initiative aims to unite a remarkably diverse array of scholars from diverse disciplines with broad interests and expertise in evolution-related fields. Our campus houses scholars that integrate evolution with anthropology, neuroscience, psychological sciences, economics, education, law, language, paleontology, education, ecology, and medicine, to name just a few. ESI is part of the College of Arts and Science Grand Challenge Initiative, where leading faculty are addressing some of the most challenging topics facing the world today. ESI supports diverse activities, including a seminar series, undergraduate and graduate courses, grant writing, trainee career development, and outreach. More information about the ESI can be found at: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/evolution/ .

This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits. The successful candidate will work in the Department of Biological Sciences on the Vanderbilt campus. The Vanderbilt campus is a vibrant community embedded in the mid-town area of Nashville, with opportunities for extensive social and scientific interactions.

The Department of Biological Sciences has an excellent staff to facilitate issue resolution involving personnel, financial management, supply and equipment orders proposal submission, and infrastructure. The faculty in the department carry out diverse research projects and often collaborate with other members within the department and in nearby departments. This department covers a broad spectrum of biology, from molecules and cells to tissues and organisms to populations and ecosystems. Award-winning faculty and graduate students teach and carry out research in Biochemistry, Structural Biology and Biophysics, Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Developmental Biology, and Neurobiology.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages ESI-related scientific programs including pilot grant programs and research fellowships
• Leads the writing and preparation of ESI-related grant applications and reports in collaboration with ESI Director
• Manages ESI-related project budgets in collaboration with grant managers
• Oversees communication of ESI-related project outcomes to the public via website, social media, press releases, and other promotional materials
• Coordinates ESI-related communications including organizing seminars, retreats, and workshops
• Oversee outreach activities of ESI-related projects
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• An advanced degree (Master's, Ph.D.) from an accredited institution, or equivalent experience in natural sciences, physical sciences, engineering, or an evolutionary studies-related field, is necessary
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, demonstrated ability for communicating effectively with various stakeholders is necessary
• Excellent time-management, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills is necessary
• Ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality, sound judgement, and attention to detail is necessary
• Self-motivated and able to work independently on multiple projects concurrently is necessary
• Consistent demonstration of initiative, able to rapidly adapt and respond to changes in environment and priorities is necessary
• Professional experience in running structured, multi-disciplinary programs and/or in research administration is preferred
• Knowledge of standard software packages is preferred

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

• Vanderbilt University has made the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University recently announced that students, faculty, and staff, are required to be vaccinated against COVID. As a prospective and/or a new employee at Vanderbilt, you will be required to comply with the University's vaccination protocol. Effective, August 1, 2021, proof of full vaccination or an approved accommodation will be required before the start of employment in order to work at Vanderbilt University.

Accommodations for medical and religious exemptions can be requested with the Equal, Opportunity and Access Office https://www.vanderbilt.edu/eoa/.