Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences and Biochemistry, Undergraduate Program Coordinator

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Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences and Biochemistry, Undergraduate Program Coordinator

Academic Coordinator

Under limited supervision from the Associate Director and the faculty co‑directors of the Vagelos Scholars Program in the Molecular Life Sciences (MLS) program and the Biochemistry major co‑chairs, the Undergraduate Coordinator of the Biochemistry major and the Vagelos MLS program is responsible for administrative aspects of both programs. This position will interface with students on administrative issues (major declaration, submission of required documents, etc.)

for Vaglos MLS scholars and Biochemistry majors (roughly 150 between the two groups at any one time), overseeing administrative aspects of the summer research experiences, and arranging for accommodations/schedules of Biological Chemistry Department Seminars. The Biochemistry/Vagelos MLS coordinator will assist the directors in working with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in the recruitment and admission of prospective students and in maintenance of program publications and website.

While supporting the programs and faculty co‑chairs, this coordinator reports to the Vagelos MLS Associate Director and the Department of Chemistry Associate Director.

The Roy & Diana Vagelos Scholars Program in the Molecular Life Sciences (Vagelos MLS) prepares an ambitious cohort of undergraduates for careers at the frontiers of science. The program emphasizes developing fundamental knowledge in mathematics, chemistry, and physics in the first two undergraduate years. Subsequently, Scholars specialize in their chosen areas of science. Vagelos MLS Scholars pursue mentored research with research groups on or near the University of Pennsylvania campus.

So that they can focus full time on the research, Scholars receive a stipend during the summers after the second and third years. Students gain firsthand experience with the fundamentals of research at the scientific frontier. Scholars explore academic interests via coursework, complete requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, and continue with the research effort. Students are positioned to thrive in the best graduate and biomedical programs upon completing the Vagelos MLS Program and go on to careers at the forefront of their respective fields.

Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary major in the college, with support from the Department of Chemistry. Students learn that life processes can be understood in terms of concepts from math, physics and chemistry. The specificity and diversity of biological molecules, organisms, and ecosystems have their origins in chemistry and physics. Students learn that experimental observations and findings have limitations depending on the methods used for collecting and analyzing data.

Students gain knowledge of the elements of mathematics and physical science necessary to design and interpret experimental and computational studies. A distinctive feature of the undergraduate Biochemistry program is a minimum of one year of mentored research (2 course units of BCHE 4597) in the final year. Host groups can be any one of the approximately 1000 independent basic and applied science research laboratories on or adjacent to the Penn campus.

During this research participation, Biochemistry majors apply their knowledge toward scientific investigations while becoming familiar with scientific careers, including the progression from undergraduate to independent scientific investigator.

• Under the supervision of the Vagelos MLS Associate Director, help carry out the academic mission and direction of the program. Implement administrative aspects for the Vagelos MLS program. Work with the Associate Director and faculty co‑directors on the development and implementation of program events with the Vagelos MLS student board (VSB).

• Provide administrative support for students enrolled in the Vagelos MLS program and coordinate advising with the Faculty Directors.

• Manage administrative aspects of summer research experiences for Vagelos MLS Scholars and the academic year research of Biochemistry majors,…