The Division of Biology is composed of three departments (Biochemistry, Cellular & Molecular Biology, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, and Microbiology), the General Biology instructional program and related support units. The Division offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, and coordinates graduate certificates.

This position supports interdepartmental curricular and co-curricular programs across the Division of Biology by providing administrative coordination for academic programs, student engagement activities, compliance reporting, and communications. The interdepartmental Program Assistant works closely with department heads, program directors, faculty, and steering committees to implement processes that support student success and program operations across the biological academic units. The role also serves as an information resource faculty, staff and for current and prospective students through front desk support, website communications and coordination of divisional initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree

• Experience: 3 years of experience in an office setting

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Excellent attention to detail and excellent organizational skills

  • Strong oral and written communication skills

  • Ability to diligently follow up with many individuals and offices to collect required information

  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in order to meet internal and external deadlines

  • Ability to build and maintain respectful work relationships across a diverse workforce at all levels

  • Ability to work both independently and as a contributing member of a team

  • Excellent computer skills including email, calendars, word processing, shared file management, and careful data management using spreadsheets

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to quickly learn new software programs, including website editing programs

  • Problem solving skills and the ability to use sound judgment to arrive at practical solutions

  • Ability to understand and apply policies and procedures

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality

  • Ability to learn new skills as needed

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree

• Experience:

  • 1 year of experience in an office setting

  • Experience working in an academic department

  • Educational background that includes biology coursework

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Experience working with students and faculty in an academic environment

  • Experience managing social media communications

  • Experience with event coordination

  • Experience with a large platform ERP, website maintenance, Banner, Nolij, Argos Reporting, and calendaring and room reservation systems.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR05

• Anticipated hiring range: $38,500 - $44,000, Depending on experience and qualifications

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The Division

The Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Tennessee brings together a wide array of faculty, researchers, and students from a wide array of biological disciplines. This includes faculty from three departments in the College of Arts and Sciences: The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and the Department of Microbiology. Collectively, this group publishes groundbreaking research across every facet of the biological sciences, and leverages that expertise to provide an immersive and transformative educational experience for our students.

The position provides administrative support for interdepartmental undergraduate and graduate curricular programs within Biology. Responsibilities include coordination of annual program activities related to recruitment, admissions, and degree progression. The role serves as a primary point of contact for current and prospective students, coordinates recurring meetings for program committees and faculty mentors, facilitates mentor assignments, and supports student communications related to program participation and requirements.

The position works closely with the Biology Department Heads, program directors and faculty committees to support divisional operations and reporting. Responsibilities include assisting with accreditation and compliance reporting, maintaining student data and program records, supporting student award applications, and coordinating divisional events such as student welcome and graduation events as well as professional development programming.

The role supports undergraduate research and internship engagement across the Division of Biology by coordinating opportunities in faculty laboratories, curriculum-based research experiences, and external internships. Responsibilities include advertising opportunities to students across Biology concentrations, assisting with summer research and internship applications, facilitating communication with faculty and external partners, and providing guidance on student research engagement, conference participation, and travel support processes.

The position also serves as a communication and customer service resource for interdepartmental biology programs. Responsibilities include front desk and virtual support, responding to inquiries from students, faculty and the public, coordinating meeting logistics, maintaining confidential records, assisting with website updates and outreach materials, supporting social media and communications efforts in partnership with the College of Arts & Sciences, and directing student workers as needed. The role collaborates with departments and advising offices to maintain accurate program information and course offerings and performs additional duties as assigned.