Project Associate | Biocomplexity Institute

About Us.

The Biocomplexity Institute (BI) integrates scientific research, from genetic sequencing to policy analysis, to tackle the complex task of understanding massively interacting systems and predicting solutions to issues impacting human health, well-being, and habitat. We collaborate across many disciplines to discover connections between health, information networks, security, and infrastructure. The foundation of our methodology lies in information biology – the synthesis of mathematics, computation, informatics, and biology. We approach complex problem-solving by assembling teams of scientists from various fields to collaborate on creating solutions that challenge the very fields in which the teams operate.

To learn more, visit: https://biocomplexity.virginia.edu

The Role.

We are looking for an Intermediate Project Associate to join our dynamic Research Operations team.

Project Associates directly support a variety of administrative needs of the research enterprise, from day-to-day project support to dedicated assistance to senior leadership, demonstrating professionalism, attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills.

Responsibilities will be varied and challenging, including tasks such as:

• Providing project coordination to support Institute operations and special projects
• Digital library administration to include managing our digital assets, including designing, developing, and maintaining digital collections and services that support the Institute’s research projects
• Managing the Institute website's daily operations, including content updates, performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and security
• Anticipating and preparing senior leadership for meetings, presentations, and programming as requested

• Procuring, coordinating, or preparing materials for meetings or drafting memoranda, correspondence, talking points, agendas, and other documents, as requested
• Reviewing and answering correspondence, screening callers and visitors, which may include confidential matters
• Providing support to event planning, document editing, project tracking, and coordination
• Assisting with research symposiums, conferences, site visits, and major Institute events
• A Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of professional experience in a research or office setting,
• Ability to arrange business travel, coordinate meetings, and support agenda management and expense tracking
• Ability to prepare reports and PowerPoints, handle information requests, research and collect data, read and review scientific papers
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple, competing, and simultaneous priorities effectively
• Demonstrated ability to work and learn independently, seeking guidance when appropriate
• Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication skills with strong attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills
• Ability to present a professional demeanor while delivering a high level of internal and external customer service
• Ability to appropriately manage sensitive information and deploy diplomacy and tact in interactions with internal and external audiences that generate understanding, mutual respect, and goodwill.
• A positive attitude and ability to work well with management and in a fast-paced team environment
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience: 2+ years of relevant experience required.
• Additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Licensure: None

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Masters degree in English, Communications, Library Science, or a STEM field
• Experience supporting a senior leadership role
• Experience working in higher education, government, research institutions, or other closely related organizations
• Superb written and oral communication skills, including experience with editing and evaluating written materials to correct errors and improve readability

Benefits

Flexible Workplace: BI offers a hybrid workplace that balances in-person and remote work for each employee. Due to the collaborative nature of our work, team members are expected to attend team meetings and other critical functions in person. Since the duties of this position include providing administrative support for senior leadership, events, and other in-person activities, we expect this role to be in the office at least 4 days a week.

Time Off: In addition to 11-15 paid holidays depending on the calendar year, the flexible University Leave program offers employees 22-30 days per year, depending on years of service. UVA employees also receive an additional 16 hours of paid leave per year for public service, allowing them to contribute to the community.

Parental Leave & Care: The Paid Parental Leave policy offers eight weeks of paid leave to employees who have been employed by UVA for 12 consecutive months. UVA also offers access to a backup care program for child and eldercare.

Pay: UVA provides market-based compensation that recognizes competitive starting pay, merit increases, promotional opportunities, rewards, and recognition.

Recognition: Our culture encourages care and recognition for one another. We aim to measure, improve, reward, and celebrate individuals and team performance.

Health: Our health plan options are designed to support a healthy lifestyle for you and your family. Multiple choices allow you to assess your medical needs and choose the best plan while achieving a balance of low premiums and maximum flexibility for health, vision, and dental.

Wellness: UVA cares about your good health. Our programs encompass tools to help you emotionally, physically, and financially.

Career Development: Our culture of lifelong learning promotes an education benefits program that provides tuition toward your next degree, academic certificate program, or relevant professional development expenses. We will support you in your current role and foster development throughout your lifelong career.

Retirement: Choose from excellent options as we partner to invest in your future. VRS offers a defined benefit + defined contribution plan, with UVA matching up to 3.5% for the Hybrid plan. Or choose ORP, a defined contribution plan based on tax-deferred accumulations. You contribute 5%, UVA contributes 8.9%

This position will remain open until filled. This is an exempt level, benefited position. The University will perform background checks on all hires (if required) prior to employment. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. For this role, the University will not sponsor or consider candidates requiring sponsorship for employment visas now or in the future. For questions about the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter at das6zb@virginia.edu.

Please apply through the University job board, Careers at UVA, and search for R0078624.

Applicants must complete an application online with the following documents:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter outlining your interests in the role

Upload all materials into the resume submission field; multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

All roles within the institute are restricted positions and are dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance. This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require walking some distance to attend meetings and programs. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. This position also requires an Education Verification (FSAKA).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor's degree required.

Experience: 2+ years of relevant experience required. Additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Licensure: None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.