Program Support Specialist - ATP-Bio EWD

About the Job

Position Overview:

This is a temporary position with effective dates of June 15 - December 31, 2026.

The ATP-Bio Program Support Specialist plays a key role in advancing initiatives across research, workforce development, innovation, and ethics. This position supports the Center's mission to drive transformative discoveries and enable the ethical translation of technologies for preserving and distributing biological systems, with impact on healthcare, biodiversity, and sustainability. As part of the Cross-Functional Pillar team, the Program Specialist reports to the Cross-Functional Team Manager and leads the coordination and execution of programs, events, and partnerships.

The role also monitors program outcomes, develops reports and communications, improves operational processes, and contributes to core initiatives including outreach, undergraduate research programs, curriculum development, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Implementation (70%)

● Plan, implement, and manage ATP-Bio programs and initiatives to ensure alignment with the Center's mission and goals.

● Coordinate events, including logistical planning and on-site management.

● Represent ATP-Bio at conferences, recruitment fairs, and community events.

● Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and partner organizations.

● Support major events such as the annual meeting and NSF site visits.

Tracking, Monitoring & Documentation (20%)

● Track program outcomes and assess impact in collaboration with external evaluators.

● Prepare content for communications, reports, and promotional materials.

● Review and update program policies and procedures.

● Develop systems to improve program efficiency and effectiveness.

Administrative & Operations (10%)

● Contribute to reporting requirements for annual and project-based deliverables.

● Develop presentations and reports highlighting program achievements.

● Support the refinement of operational policies to strengthen organizational effectiveness.

Key Programs & Initiatives

Educational Outreach Materials

Assist in program planning and coordination for large- and small-scale outreach events. Responsibilities include curriculum development and materials inventory, volunteer recruitment and management, event planning and execution.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program

Support the summer REU program hosting approximately 10 students annually. Responsibilities include application review, participant selection, program logistics, and professional development planning.

Courses and Curriculum

Courses and curriculum development is a priority area of work within the Engineering Workforce Development (EWD) pillar. Responsibilities include coordination of task force meetings with priority area contributors, development and maintenance of curriculum tracking databases.

Communications Support

Communicating to our scientific community and other stakeholders is an important component of ATP-Bio work. Responsibilities include writing and managing social media posts related to center news, achievements, and opportunities; support communication efforts and advertisement with partners (e.g International Cryobiology Young Researchers); assist in coordinating trainee webinars and trainee-led initiatives.

Community Engagement

Workforce development efforts include engaging and supporting our community of researchers. Responsibilities include collaboration in arranging professional development opportunities for researchers, building and contributing to a supportive work environment, facilitating collaborations amongst researchers.

Supervision:

The Program Support Specialist will report directly to the ATP-Bio Cross-Functional Team Project Manager and receive programmatic oversight from the Center Leadership and Pillar Directors. This position will work within a matrix structure, collaborating with multiple teams across the center.

Work Mode and

Schedule:

● This position is based on the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus and follows a hybrid work schedule (a mix of on-campus and remote work).

● Travel for the role is approximately 5% annually, including attendance at meetings,…