Part-Time Center Coordinator​/Admin Assistant - Center Biodevices at Huck Institutes

Job Description

The Penn State Center for Biodevices, housed under Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, is seeking a detail-oriented, highly organized Part‑Time Center Coordinator/Admin Assistant (24 hours/week) to support and enhance the Center’s academic, research, and community‑building activities.

The Center Coordinator will manage key operational, communication, and event‑related functions for the Center for Biodevices. Responsibilities include coordinating center meetings, workshops, networking events, and research conferences; supporting social media and outreach efforts; and providing logistical support for seed funding competitions and award programs. This position requires excellent organizational skills, initiative, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Center Operations & Administrative Support

• Coordinate day‑to‑day administrative operations for Center programs and activities.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for Center affiliates, faculty, students, partners, and university units.
• Schedule and manage center meetings, working groups, and advisory committee activities.
• Prepare agendas, record meeting minutes, and track follow‑up actions.

Event, Workshop & Conference Management

• Plan, coordinate, and support networking events, workshops, symposia, research conferences, and special programs.
• Manage event logistics, including facility reservations, catering, AV/technology coordination, registration, and promotional materials.
• Support onsite and virtual event execution.

Funding Competitions & Award Program Logistics

• Assist in launching and managing seed grant competitions, award solicitations, and review processes.
• Coordinate application collection, reviewer communications, award notifications, and documentation.
• Maintain tracking systems for funded projects and award timelines.

Communications, Outreach & Social Media

• Support Center communication efforts, including website updates, newsletters, social media activity, and event promotions.
• Draft and edit the center newsletter, program announcements, center‑wide communications.
• Help maintain consistent Center branding and digital engagement.

Collaboration & Program Support

• Facilitate communication among Center leadership, faculty, research teams, and external partners.
• Assist with preparation of reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support compliance with university administrative and research requirements.

• GED/High School and 2+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong organizational, time‑management, and multitasking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, academic environment.

• Experience coordinating meetings, workshops, or academic events.
• Knowledge of social media management and basic content creation.
• Familiarity with university administrative systems or research environments.
• Comfort with scheduling tools, project management platforms, and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace.
• Experience supporting grant programs, competitions, or award processes.

• Strong initiative and problem‑solving ability.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research setting.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.