Job no: 522357

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Institute Applied Life Science

Union: PSU

Categories: Program Administration/Management, PSU A

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The START Project Coordinator in the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) coordinates and facilitates overall project management and the selection and management of Translational Research Programs, including the Seed Translational Research Projects (STRP) as part of an NSF-funded Accelerating Research Translation initiative called START (Support and Training Accelerating Research Translation) @ UMass Amherst. The goal of the START initiative is to develop an institutional capacity and infrastructure for translational research outcomes, including through research-based startups and social impact ventures.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates Seed Translation Research Projects (STRPs) including the grant funding process: fields inquiries, designs application process, solicits, collects, reviews and tracks applications. Compiles application materials for committee review. Prepares and disseminates application and award communications; helps to organize the disbursement of award funds.


• Collaborates with IALS staff, START sub-teams, and internal partners (graduate students, postdocs, and faculty) to implement and promote DEI strategies/tactics in order to recruit diverse grant applicants and to create prospect pipeline for STRP funding and related START opportunities. Recognizes application barriers and works with leadership to resolve.


• Collaborates with external partners to coordinate shared resources for translational research programs.


• Supports the PI and co-PIs in the administration and coordination of the overall START initiative. Assists with grant deliverables, such as key milestones and progress reports.


• Tracks award recipient progress toward milestones.


• Promotes the STRP funding opportunities to faculty interested in accelerating their research translation efforts.


• Serves on START sub-teams to facilitate efficient information sharing across these teams.


• Collaborates with the ART Ambassador Management sub-team to recruit and empower ART Ambassadors with respect to STRP activities.


• Assists IALS staff and START sub-teams to operationalize the ART Ambassador network (internal and external advocates).


• Identifies and recommends innovation funding best practices from other organizations for adoption by START.


• Manages databases and maintains files to document START activities and progress.


• Assists with developing appropriate recognition/rewards for STRP seed project participants.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree and two (2) years' project coordination (or related experience) OR an Associate's degree and five (5) years' experience OR high school diploma and seven (7) years' experience.


• Familiarity with University startups.


• Experience working in higher education with diverse group of constituents; faculty, staff, postdocs, and students.


• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.


• Strong organizational, project management and workflow skills.


• Experience with DEI initiatives.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).


• Proficiency in Google workspace.


• Ability and willingness to travel both in and out of state.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience with basic aspects of commercialization/venture development.


• STEM, social sciences, organizational development or business-related Bachelor's Degree.


• Familiarity with training programs and workforce development.


• Familiarity with supporting federally-funded grant initiatives.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Additional Details

• This is a 4-year, term-limited position.


• Continuation of the position is contingent upon grant or University funds.


• For more information on the Accelerating Research Translation (ART) project, click here.

Work Schedule

• 37.5 hours/week, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours.

Salary Information

PSU Level 25

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Feb 13 2024 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: May 12 2024 Eastern Daylight Time