RESEARCH PROJECT ASSISTANT

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	RESEARCH PROJECT ASSISTANT
Job Category	URA-AFT Administrative
Department	SEBS-Dept Marine & Coastal Science
Overview	The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics. In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Research Project Assistant for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The Research Project Assistant will collaborate with Rutgers scientists to develop written resources and digital media products that communicate scientific stories to various audiences, including but not limited to K-12 students, undergraduate students, early career researchers, and the science interested public. This position is funded by an educational research grant from the National Science Foundation focused on advancing research impacts in society. Among the key duties of the position are the following:  Creatively develops, writes, and edits web and print stories, media releases, community newsletters and social media campaigns. Assists in the content development and writing of student focused resources, with particular emphasis on those that incorporate and allow students to explore scientific datasets. Assists in leading community engagement efforts for science educators and other professionals, including newsletters, community outreach, and workshop administration and Assists in coordinating professional development and workshops/events. Reports to the STEM 4-H Agent, in Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and will primarily work on projects in the Department of Marine & Coastal Sciences.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
FLSA	Nonexempt
Grade	03
Position Salary	$48,372 (Minimum URA-AFT scale)
Annual Minimum Salary	48372.000
Annual Mid Range Salary	60147.000
Annual Maximum Salary	71921.000
Standard Hours	37.50
Union Description	URA-AFT Administrative
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview .
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Requires a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Certifications/Licenses	Must be able to possess a valid NJ Driver’s license and the successful completion of the National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course will be expected once hired.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Initiative and creativity – ability to start and complete a project with minimal supervision; self-directed. Personal organizational skills – the ability to set priorities and manage multiple job tasks.
Preferred Qualifications	Experience in team-based work environments and excellent communication skills.  Experience working with and explaining science for non-science audiences, as well as experience in project management and community engagement, is preferred. STEM content experience and content knowledge experience is a plus. Experience in developing scientific communications products (e.g. stories, curricula, videos) is a plus. Experience in science communication working in social media, education and outreach (in or out of school programming) are considered a plus.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Must be able to lift small boxes up to 50 lbs and be able to successfully complete the Rutgers Protection of Minors training and background check.
Special Conditions	This position will require travel throughout NJ to deliver on-site programs, including occasional weekends and evenings Occasional travel to other states to participate in conferences will also be required.

Posting Details

Posting Number	24ST0383
Posting Open Date	02/23/2024
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Cook (RU-New Brunswick)
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 60.1.35 Immunization Policy for Rutgers Employees and Prospective Employees , Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to receive an updated (bivalent) vaccine dose. Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement