Coordinator - AMGEN Site (Grant Funded)

COORDINATOR – AMGEN SITE (GRANT-FUNDED)
TRUMAN COLLEGE 

Truman College is looking for a Coordinator - AMGEN Site (GF). Through grant funding, Truman College is establishing an Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) program site on campus, an innovative education program designed to introduce students to the excitement of scientific discovery and to spark their interest in additional study and work in the growing and important field of biotechnology.  The ABE program provides biotechnology education to high school science teachers participating in the program and features a hands-on molecular biology curriculum and research-grade equipment and supplies, curriculum, and professional development.

The Coordinator - AMGEN Site (GF) is responsible for the programming, implementation, and day to day operations of the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) program.   

Primary Responsibilities include:

·       Working with Site Director/Department Chairperson in the development of a biotechnology curriculum for use by high school science teachers participating in the ABE program

·       Supporting the professional development of high school science teachers to prepare them to teach the biotechnology curriculum to their students

·       Recruitment of science teachers from CPS high schools; publicizing and promoting ABE program

·       Ordering the program’s biology lab materials and scheduling lab kit rotation for use in teaching curriculum   

·       Maintaining information on ABE program’s progress and accomplishments

The position requires knowledge of the multidisciplinary field of biotechnology and content expertise, as well as and understanding of the molecular biology content and curriculum used in local high schools.

Position may be required to work some weekends.

NOTE:  This is a grant funded position with funding through December 31. 2025

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

·       Works with the Site Director to develop a curriculum focused on expanding student learning in biotechnology and setting a foundation conducive to ABE curriculum.

·       Coordinates with the Office of Instruction in the day-to-day operations of the ABE program.

·       Serves as the first point of contact with science teachers participating in the ABE program; responds to inquiries; troubleshoots and resolve issues. 

·       Plans and participates in strategies to recruit high school teachers with teaching endorsements in science for participation in the ABE program.    

·       Hosts Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recruitment events and works with various organizations and college departments to publicize and promote ABE program to high school teachers.

·       Recruits teachers in training from Truman’s Education Department who are interested in becoming science teachers and wanting to explore biotechnology curriculum through ABE.

·       Ensures ABE program has the required biology lab space, equipment, materials, and resources required to execute the ABE curriculum and professional development initiative (PDI).

·       Orders and maintains equipment and supplies, including those used in the preparation of materials as well as those used by schools engaged in the program

·       Advocates for teacher engagement and professional development, leading efforts to prepare teachers to educate and encourage students to explore science curriculum.  

·       Organizes and leads training sessions with participating teachers that focuses on learning the research-based instructional principles and strategies embodied in the ABE curriculum.

·       Facilitates and conducts professional development training to assist teachers with content knowledge, skills, and pedagogy, and providing support in teaching the biotechnology curriculum to their students. 

·       Assists with implementing innovative technology into professional development sessions, ensuring participating science teachers access and utilize LabXchange and its online training, materials, and library as part of the learning environment.

·       Establishes lab kit rotation schedule for distribution to teachers for use in their classrooms.  Monitors the preparation of lab kits for the Introduction to Biotechnology Sequence by the site technician; maintains records to track pick up and drop off.  

·       Publicizes and promotes ABE program through various avenues including working with college’s internal resources and organizations, attending high school open houses, and use of social media.   

·       Schedules professional development institute (PDI) sessions on weekends; ensures access to building and parking to participants.

·       Collects and maintains data to help assess program activities.  Monitors and encourages return of surveys from program participants.    Assists in the final reporting of the quarterly and yearly outcomes.

·       Participate in the overall evaluation of the ABE program in areas of outreach and participation of high schools; development of teachers in teaching biotechnology curriculum; use of innovative technology; and areas for improvement.  

·       Interacting with the ABE Program Office around strengthening professional learning and curriculum implementation. Including attending virtual meetings or ABE working groups.

·       Participates in the ABE community, including posting and responding to forums.  Participates in recruiting partners, including funding partners, to support and enrich the local program.

·       Provides tours of TR campus and biology labs to high school science teachers as part of recruitment effort

·       Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

·       Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biology or related field.

·       Two years of work experience in a research/teaching laboratory environment related to biotechnology.

·       Thorough understanding of laboratory procedures and set-ups and experiments performed in biotechnology planning and development.

·       Experience working with and supporting historically marginalized communities, first-generation college students, and low-income students.

·       Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

·       Excellent organizational and time management skills.

·       Ability and willingness to work weekends.

·       Ability to work with and relate to a culturally diverse student body and staff.

·       Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

This position is represented by the Local 1600 Professional Employee Union.

WE OFFER: Excellent health and welfare benefit package and long-term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans and a pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan. Generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days, and tuition reimbursement. For a more detailed overview of benefits, please visit the benefits page of our website.

Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire.
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Thank you for your interest in City Colleges!