Associate Director of Education and Outreach - 141765

Under the general direction of the MRSEC Director and Education Director, the Academic Program Management Officer 3 serves as the Associate Director of Education and Outreach for the UC San Diego Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC), a federally funded interdisciplinary research and education program focused on materials science. The position is responsible for independently administering the Center's education, workforce development, trainee engagement, and public outreach programs in collaboration with MRSEC faculty leadership.

The incumbent develops, implements, coordinates, and evaluates education and training programs serving high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral participants. Responsibilities include managing the Center's summer Research Immersion in Materials Science and Engineering (RIMSE) program; coordinating recruitment, selection, onboarding, and placement of trainees with participating faculty and research groups; developing trainee engagement and professional development activities; and coordinating K-12 and community outreach programs.

The position works closely with MRSEC faculty and leadership to establish program goals and priorities, develop education and outreach initiatives, assess program effectiveness, and ensure activities support sponsor requirements and the Center's education and workforce development objectives. The incumbent collects and analyzes program data, tracks participant outcomes, contributes to sponsor reports and grant proposals, and recommends improvements to program content and activities based on program outcomes and evolving needs.

The Academic Program Management Officer 3 serves as a primary liaison among MRSEC leadership, participating faculty, trainees, campus partners, educational organizations, and external collaborators, including the Fleet Science Center. The incumbent organizes workshops, outreach events, educational demonstrations, and other public-facing activities and represents MRSEC's education and outreach programs in internal and external forums.

Because the position supports education and training within a materials science research center, the incumbent applies a strong scientific and technical background to effectively communicate research concepts, assess trainee interests and technical skills, facilitate appropriate research placements, develop hands-on educational activities, and provide guidance to trainees working in laboratory environments. The position exercises independent judgment in administering assigned programs and works collaboratively with MRSEC leadership to support the continued effectiveness and success of the Center's education, outreach, and workforce development mission.

• Advanced degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. Doctorate preferred.

• Thorough knowledge of administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices.

• Solid fundraising experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge of materials science, chemistry, nanotechnology, or a related scientific discipline sufficient to understand and communicate complex scientific concepts to students, educators, trainees, and public audiences.

• Demonstrated experience developing, coordinating, and implementing educational, research training, STEM outreach, or workforce development programs for students and trainees at multiple educational levels.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific and technical information into engaging, accessible educational materials, presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for technical and non-technical audiences.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and procedures and demonstrated ability to promote safe laboratory practices among students and research trainees.

• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills, including the ability to independently coordinate multiple programs, events, deadlines, participants, and priorities in a complex academic research environment.

• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate program data and evaluation results and use findings to assess program effectiveness and recommend improvements.

• Experience working with undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, educators, and/or research trainees in an academic or scientific research environment.

• Knowledge of federally funded research or education programs and experience supporting grant-related program activities, reporting requirements, or program evaluation.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Strong ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results.

• Strong ability to work collaboratively with internal and external peers and managers.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• May be required to attend conferences/programs both locally and out-of-town as requested.

• The California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act ("CANRA," Penal Code sections 11164-11174.4) requires certain professionals, known as "mandated reporters", to report known or suspected instances of child abuse or neglect to law enforcement. This position has been identified as a "mandated reporter".