Office of Undergraduate Research

This position is responsible for assisting the Undergraduate Director for the MARC//IMSD Program. The Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) / Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity (IMSD) program is funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health to increase the number of underrepresented students pursuing careers in biomedical research. It is a comprehensive program that integrates research, mentoring, academic and social support, and professional development that prepares participants to matriculate into graduate doctoral programs.

The Program Assistant is essentially the “Office Manager”. The Assistant serves as the first point of contact for the Office and greets and directs participants and accordingly. Duties include collecting and maintaining student data of approximately 100 active students each year, including the implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive database of previous students, and tracking since graduation. Sending surveys to collect information from current participants and alumni to track program outcomes. Analyzing and manipulating data to produce reports for meetings & NIH. Data may be tracked via a Customer Relations Management database and/or via Myzou, OrgSync, CANVAS, MU Connect, etc. Planning and implementing a systematic and on-going update of our participant/alumni database. Communicating with alumni, mentors, and family members as needed. Overseeing the MARC website and answering inquires. Utilizing websites and contacts at other institutions to locate/track alumni. Handling all confidential student/faculty information utilizing FERPA rules/guidelines.

Coordinating hiring paperwork, processing payroll, and tracking timesheets for all Apprentices and Fellows & Peer Mentors in the program is a significant aspect of the position. Advising students as to problems/solutions with any of their hiring paperwork. Coordinating with faculty on grants to assign students their X-train account through NIH which tracks the number of funded students off the grant. Approximately 50-75 paid students per year.

Developing and monitoring detailed budgets for the MARC grant. Advising faculty and program coordinators regarding budget, policies, & procedures for grants. Monitor, maintain and review account expenditures for material, equipment and travel. Review and approve as delegated. Collect and submit Purchasing Card receipts with appropriate MoCode.

Coordinate travel arrangements for multiple scientific and mentoring conferences where the Undergraduate Director and Scholars present. Responsibilities include completing conference registrations for 30+ Scholars, booking hotel, flights, shuttles, etc. Processing travel reimbursements and preparing recruitment material and slides with data for the Program’s PowerPoint presentations.

Processing applications at all three stages of the program, as well as Peer Mentors: Collecting and preparing MARC applications for the Apprentice (Stage I) program each year including preparing mailings (both postal and email), file, photocopy, scheduling interviews, and send out accept/denial notices. Collecting and scanning Faculty Mentor lists for Stage II students. Sending out notices after Undergraduate Director has approved a student's faculty list. Scanning and distributing MARC Fellows (Stage III) applications and project proposals to review committee. Scheduling student interviews with the committee and tracking which applications receive funding and via which source. Collecting and scanning Peer Mentor applications and scheduling interviews. Processing accept/decline letters in response to all student applications. Answering student questions throughout the year regarding the applications processes.

Keep weekly meeting attendance for both Apprentice and Fellows meeting (approximately 64 workshops per year). Also, collect meeting attendance from 8-10 Peer Mentors. Send out weekly notices when students are not meeting attendance expectations in one or more areas of the program and assist with scheduling appts with the Undergraduate Director to address attendance issues.

Assist with maintaining appointments and calendar for the Undergraduate Director,, including scheduling student appointments, faculty mentor lab visits (approximately 50-75 per year), and interviews for the various Stages of the program.

Monitor and post announcements on the Program’s social media accounts.

Track grade point average requirements at the end of each semester and send out notices for probationary status.
Scheduling facilities, determining menus & other logistics, negotiating for products/services, and coordinating/training staffing for meetings and events. Planning and coordinating MARC/IMSD events, receptions, and meetings: including the preparation of invitation lists, sending invitations & management of replies. Specifically, assist with the planning of the Annual MARC/IMSD End-of-the-year Recognition Ceremony for 150-200 participants; including, room reservation, equipment rental, catering, purchasing & production of recognition awards, slideshows (Power Point), and written program. The program booklet for the Ceremony requires collecting pictures and data year-round on student outcomes and program activities. Coordinate invitations and RSVPs. Maintain/update invitation/contact list each year. Other events involve various receptions to honor students who presented at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority students or Alumni Reception for previous participants.

Salary Range: $14.09 - $24.59 per hour
GGS Grade: 006
University Title: Office Support Assistant IV

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

9:00 am to 5:30 pm. (Occasional evening or weekend events – events planned ahead of time).

High school diploma or equivalent and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Education, or a related area or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired. Strong technical aptitude-Including being proficient in Excel, Peoplesoft, PowerPoint, Microsoft office suite, etc. (Office uses Mac systems). Detail oriented, organized, be a self-starter, have ability to manage multiple projects at once, and demonstrate strong discipline to meet regular reporting deadlines. Strong interpersonal skill Passion for and/or experience with programs aimed at implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Familiarity with university offices and systems.

Online application, resume, references on request.

Columbia, Mo., is known as an ideal college town, combining small-town comforts, community spirit and low cost of living with big-city culture, activities and resources. Home to nationally renowned public schools and other colleges and educational centers, Columbia is packed with restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen annual cultural festivals.

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

Know Your Rights

To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please use the following links:

• Know Your Rights English Version
• Know Your Rights Spanish Version