Nereid Biomaterials (nereidbio.org) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator project located at the University of California Santa Barbara’s Marine Science Institute. The women-led Nereid team is designing ocean-degradable bioplastic materials for oceanography in collaboration with industry partners in the oceanographic equipment sector. The project is a collaboration between UCSB, the University of Rhode Island, the University of Rochester, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, and the bioplastic company Mango Materials.

We are seeking a highly-organized, detail-oriented Administrative Coordinator with excellent written and oral communication skills to take on a range of administrative responsibilities with professionalism in a fast-paced research environment. The Administrative Coordinator’s main duties will be to provide operational and administrative support to the Nereid Biomaterials leadership team, staff researchers, and partners to achieve our project deliverables. The person hired for this position will be expected to relocate to the Santa Barbara area, but remote work 2-3 days per week is possible.

The Administrative Coordinator will have the following responsibilities:

• Independently manage and coordinate administrative functions of Nereid Biomaterials and its various sub-projects
• Liaise with UCSB campus administrators to execute contracts and agreements, and work with contractors and service providers as required by specific projects
• Manage team travel planning and expense reimbursements
• Manage team participation in NSF’s Convergence Accelerator curriculum and reporting requirements
• Communicate and coordinate effectively and accurately with partners and stakeholders
• Joint supervision of laboratory personnel to ensure purchasing and shipping of materials between collaborators
• Manage and oversee interns responsible for Nereid’s social media and website communications
• Track expense and budget data
• Assist with recruitment and training of staff, student interns, and volunteers
• Plan and execute events and workshops
• Manage administrative duties associated with justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion programs, such as the industry-academic internship program
• Manage the operations, finances, and administrative duties of a research laboratory affiliated with Nereid Biomaterials

This appointment includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental and vision insurance and a UC retirement plan. Salary is commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

Position open until filled.

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service as appropriate to the position.

An Associate's degree in administration, communications, biology, environmental science, or other related field and at least 2 years of executive assistant, administrative assistant, project management or related experience is required at the time of application

• Bachelor’s degree in administration, communications, biology, environmental science, marine science, or other related field.
• The ability to balance multiple tasks while maintaining a high level of accuracy, organization, professionalism, and positivity
• Experience developing written materials and/or managing contract and grant processes supporting environmental or scientific research operations
• Experience developing and managing project or programmatic budgets
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working in a science setting in academia, non-governmental organizations, government, or private industry
• Excellent computer skills including fluency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Powerpoint), Google Drive, Gmail, Google Calendar, Asana, and Concur
• Experience planning and executing events and meetings
• Interest in oceans, science, or biotechnology; however, no formal experience in these fields is required

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

• 3 required (contact information only)

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.