PSiX Program Aide

Cornell Human Ecology explores the complexity of human life. We bring together a wide range of perspectives to understand the full context of the human experience and improve lives at every scale, from cells to society. Our research and academic programs focus on the interaction of humans with their biological, economic, social and physical environments. Using Cornell's far-reaching extension network and the college's translational research methods, we deliver our findings directly to communities and families, ensuring that our work reaches those who need it most.
Established in 2025, the Purpose Science and Innovation Exchange (PSiX), currently incubated in the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, is built on the simple yet powerful premise that the science of purpose can drive human flourishing. This effort is committed to rigorous and pioneering research and fostering an innovative ecosystem that accelerates the translation of purpose insights into real-world solutions. Our partnership with the Purpose Commons, and others is united in a common mission: dedication to transformative advancements in the science of purpose.

By conducting rigorous research on purpose in life and accelerating its translation to individuals, organizations, and communities, we strive to catalyze an ecosystem that generates knowledge and empowers flourishing through purposeful living. PSiX aspires to be the preeminent global hub for purpose research and transformative discovery. PSiX advances the field of purpose science through research, translation, and community partnership. This role and related efforts are funded in part by a competitive grant from the Bezos Family Foundation.

PSiX Program Aide will provide support the PSiX Director, Managing Director, and other team members, to broadly support PSiX operations, including helping keep the Translational Fellowship in Purpose Science running smoothly. This role works directly under the PSiX Director and Managing Director, handling the recurring administrative tasks in a strategic, proactive, and team-oriented approach.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

This is a one-year, fixed-term, in-person position based in Ithaca, NY on Cornell University’s campus. Annual renewal is possible contingent on available funding, work, and successful performance.

No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance are provided for this position. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in US without sponsorship. Employment will end upon the expiration of work authorization in the US. Continued employment in this position is subject to eligibility to work in accordance with US immigration laws.

• Associate degree and up to 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Some administrative, office, or program support experience is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable managing calendars, correspondence, and basic recordkeeping.
• Proactive communicator who can work independently on recurring tasks.
• Proficiency with standard office and scheduling software (e.g., MS Office/Google Workspace).
• Interest in higher education, research administration, or purpose science is a plus.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

• Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Director, Managing Director, and others: scheduling, correspondence, meeting prep, and follow-up.
• Assist with logistics for in-person convenings and virtual sessions (calendar invites, room/tech setup, materials distribution, RSVP tracking).
• Support travel and procurement, and the processing of agreements, stipends, honoraria, and travel reimbursements, and help the Director track expenses against the budgets.
• Assist with maintenance and updating websites and…