Position Summary

Michigan State University operates FRIB as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), supporting the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics.

As one of 28 DOE-SC user facilities, FRIB provides researchers with one of the most advanced tools of modern science to study rare isotopes, or short-lived nuclei not normally found on Earth. FRIB hosts what is designed to be the most powerful heavy-ion accelerator, enabling scientists to make discoveries about the properties of rare isotopes, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, and applications for society, including in medicine, homeland security, and industry. 

User facility operation is supported by the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics as one of 28 DOE-SC user facilities. MSU’s nuclear physics graduate program is a top-ranked program nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report..

This position affords an exciting opportunity to become part of the world-class FRIB Laboratory that enables unique discovery opportunities in nuclear science.

Purpose

The Academic Specialist for Graduate Student Success will work with faculty and graduate students at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) to enhance graduate student academic success and participate in scientific research in support of the FRIB as a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science scientific user facility.

Major Responsibilities

• Conduct and contribute to scientific research in support of the FRIB mission 
• Serve as a resource for graduate students at the FRIB and decrease time to graduation through activities supporting academic success 
• Develop and maintain graduate student success metrics (both leading and lagging indicators), collect and analyze data, identify benchmarks, prepare and deliver reports and presentations, and monitor outcomes related to graduate student success at the FRIB 
• Assist with the development, coordination and implementation of activities, strategies, public engagement, and initiatives to enhance graduate student success and promote an inclusive academic graduate community at the FRIB 
• Research graduate student success best practices in STEM in the U.S. and document and disseminate findings to FRIB graduate students and faculty 
• Document policies, practices, and activities undertaken in support of graduate student success at the FRIB 
• Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Word software functions, accompanied by the aptitude to learn new or evolving software and systems
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a variety of audiences
• Ability to execute work assignments safely and with quality to meet performance objectives
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and deliver prompt high-quality support
• Proficiency in the scientific and technical knowledge for conducting research at FRIB

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Physics or Chemistry

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in Physics or Chemistry with demonstrated experience in research related to FRIB science
• Experience building and sustaining collaborative relationships with students, academic faculty, administrators and staff
• Experience communicating effectively with diverse stakeholder groups
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Word software functions accompanied by the aptitude to learn new or evolving software and systems
• Experience working in an academic STEM setting

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with academic principles and practices related to graduate student success in STEM
• Familiarity with adult learning principles and practices
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills

Required Application Materials

• CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three references

Special Instructions

Questions regarding the position can be directed to Sarah Powell (powells@frib.msu.edu)

Review of Applications Begins On

07/24/2023

Website

www.frib.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.