Program Specialist I - Bioeconomy Institute
Professional & Scientific
Bachelor’s degree
of Duties and Responsibilities:
Do you take pride in your organizational, written, and verbal communication skills? Are you excited about an opportunity to support interdisciplinary research that benefits agriculture, engineering, the environment, and society?
If so, the Iowa State University Bioeconomy Institute is seeking applicants for a new Program Specialist I position. This role will coordinate day-to-day details, internally supporting research project tasks and objectives among multiple principal investigators, as well as facilitating external communication and action plans among collaborating organizations. As needed, this individual will fulfill the communications needs of funded projects and the institute itself.
What You'll Do:
Support of Bioeconomy Institute projects through:
Coordination of project activities (e.g. team meetings and communications) across multiple research labs and organizations
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date project records
Updating team leadership on progress towards project objectives
Communicating with the Principal Investigators (PIs), various team leaders, students, postdocs, and staff
Assisting PIs with drafting project reports and serving as a point of coordination with sponsors and external partners
Supporting project teams in maintaining timelines, documentation, and operational activities aligned with sponsor and university expectations
Communicating project goals, outputs, outcomes, and impacts through different modes
Successful candidates will be team-focused, show initiative and have the capacity to help others work together to achieve shared goals. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate timelines, communications, and project activities across multiple teams in support of overall program goals and objectives. The candidate should be an effective ambassador, be comfortable with science communication and demonstrate active listening skills along with excellent written and oral communication skills. A candidate that demonstrates curiosity and a willingness to learn and problem solve will be successful in this position.
This is a two-year, fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal.
Preferred Qualifications:
Degree in business administration, management, management information systems, communications, agriculture, industrial technologies, natural resources, or other related field.
Experience coordinating project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements across multiple teams or activities.
Experience working with projects, organizations, or stakeholders connected to Midwestern agriculture, engineering, or natural resources.
Experience developing or delivering professional communications, presentations, or outreach materials for various audiences.
Experience coordinating and facilitating virtual, hybrid, and in-person meetings or collaborative events.
The Bioeconomy Institute
Centers/Institutes at Iowa State University focus on researching and benefitting a group of topics in a structure similar to traditional departments on campus; however, to differentiate, centers and institutes flexibly prioritize transdisciplinary research, external funding, and creating linkages between the university and its community/stakeholders, rather than managing a undergraduate/graduate-centered degree program. The Bioeconomy Institute leads the nation in advancing the bioeconomy, “where society obtains food, energy, bioproducts, and associated services from renewable sources”. Celebrating 20 years as the "front door" to biorenewables at ISU, the institute fosters connections among departments, colleges, and research units across campus. Alongside its >50 industry partners driving innovation and transforming renewable and waste resources into high-value products, its 150+ ISU faculty and staff affiliates engage in research relating to biorenewable resources, including feedstock development, waste utilization, biobased products, and associated services. For more information, please visit the Bioeconomy Institute website
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
July 31, 2028
12 Month Work Period
Full time
PS806
May 21, 2026
June 7, 2026
R19242
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
