Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $44,200 - Midpoint: $55,300 (Salaried E6)
Department/Organization: 204411 - Biological Sciences
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for remote work subject to University policy.
Job Summary: The Curriculum and Communications Specialist develops curriculum and training materials for the Genomics Education Partnership (GEP) courses and workshops, including presentations, written walkthroughs and exercises, video tutorials for GEP tools and genomic resources, etc. Creates and designs content for GEP social media, website, and recruitment campaigns. Improves the accessibility of the GEP website, annotation tools, and curriculum materials. Assists with data analyses and preparation of publications of the scientific findings generated by GEP students and Science Partners.
Additional Department Summary: The Department of Biological Sciences is working on a National Institutes of Health funded project to enhance the genomics and bioinformatics training of undergraduates nationwide as part of the Genomics Education Partnership (GEP, thegep.org). Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) have been demonstrated to be one of the most effective teaching methods to engage students in the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The GEP provides CUREs in genomics to thousands of students at over 200 colleges and universities across the United States.
This position works with members of the Curriculum Committee and the Retention & Engagement (R&E) Committee to improve the accessibility of the GEP website, annotation tools, and curriculum materials so that they conform to Level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0 AA). Works with the Curriculum Committee and other GEP staff to revise the curriculum based on faculty feedback, and update the curriculum before the start of each semester so that they are consistent with the current versions of the bioinformatics databases and tools. Assists the GEP Regional Node Directors and Node Leaders to organize Regional Node Trainings (RNT) for new members, and Regional Node Meetings (RNM) for current members. Coordinates with the Professional Development & Mentoring (PDM) Committee and the Director of IT to improve the GEP communication infrastructure. Works with the PDM Committee to provide professional development opportunities to GEP faculty and students. Helps maintain and improve the bioinformatics software, workflows, and web framework developed by the GEP, and develop tools to support new GEP curriculum and science projects. Helps implement a new communication framework and project management system for the GEP (based on Microsoft 365).
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree.
Skills and Knowledge: Strong programming skills, particularly in the programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics and computational biology (e.g., Python, R). Proficiency with Microsoft 365. Ability to work collaboratively with researchers and research groups, as well as the ability to work independently. Ability to learn new research domains and systems. Ability to communicate effectively with various groups of people, including researchers, software engineers, and biologists. Excellent time management skills and ability to multitask and prioritize work. Attention to detail. Excellent problem solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and planning skills. Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment. Proficient in and able to problem-solve within a virtual/online environment (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom).
Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in computer science, biology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline. Three (3) years of experience working in a genomics or bioinformatics research environment. Knowledge of and programming skills in a scripting language (e.g., TypeScript, Python, R), and one compiled language (e.g., Go, Rust, C/C++). Extensive experience in website development, social media promotion, video editing, graphic design programs (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva), and accessibility technology and tools (e.g., closed captioning). Experience in biological sciences, genomics, or a related discipline. Experience in science education and prior experience with the GEP curriculum. Experience in a research environment.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.
