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Kansas State University

 

BRI Education Officer/Education and Training Coordinator
Project Manager, National Agricultural Biosecurity Center (NABC)


BRI Education Officer/Education and Training Coordinator

The Kansas State University Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) at Pat Roberts Hall is a biosafety level 3 and biosafety level 3Ag research facility that is open to scientists affiliated with Kansas State University (K-State) and other institutions. In addition to its containment research spaces, the BRI possesses an education and training wing that is the site of in-house biosafety and biocontainment training programs for researchers and employees. It is the intent of the BRI to also utilize its training capability to create and market training opportunities for individuals and groups external to the BRI who are wishing to learn the principles of biosafety, obtain instruction in working in biocontainment, and conduct educational experiences related to infectious diseases and their prevention and mitigation in general. To lead the development and supervise the implementation and marketing of these training opportunities, we are seeking an individual for a position as an Education Officer.

The responsibilities associated with this position are to:

  • Work with BRI leadership and technical staff to import subject matter into effective learning tools for a variety of adult learner audiences
  • Coordinate with the K-State Information Technology Assistance Center, Office of Mediated Education, and Regents Educational Communications Center as needed to develop learning materials incorporating current educational approaches
  • Design and conduct assessments of the learning effectiveness of the materials to be developed
  • Coordinate the training of current and future staff and researchers working at the BRI
  • Develop, conduct, and coordinate refresher training via online methods
  • Incorporate training materials and BRI research into educational materials and experiences that can be marketed nationally and internationally
  • Participate directly in marketing programs and capabilities to external organizations
  • Develop training program partnerships and collaborations as appropriate
  • Coordinate these educational experiences in conjunction with the K-State Division of Continuing Education as appropriate
  • Obtain extramural funding to support education and training activities

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in education, communications, life science, or related field plus relevant experience in communication and adult education.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a wide range of constituencies
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Demonstrated experience with current methods of mediated education
  • Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in relevant field
  • Previous experience in managing training/educational programs
  • Previous experience in development and marketing of educational materials
  • Familiarity with infectious disease and biosafety fields

A Criminal Background check will be required for the candidates selected for hire. Additionally, all new positions will require signed non-disclosure agreements specific to Pat Roberts Hall and the BRI.

This is expected to be a full-time position that will begin as soon as possible. The individual selected will supervise a graduate research assistant and will report to the BRI Director.

To apply, send a curriculum vita/resume and letter of interest to Education Officer Search Committee Chair, Biosecurity Research Institute, 1041 Pat Roberts Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506. Screening of applicants will begin on April 22, 2009.

 

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY CENTER

PROJECT MANAGER

Kansas State University National Agricultural Biosecurity Center (NABC) seeks highly motivated, self-starting Project Manager with the ability to lead and manage multiple, complex, advanced technology research programs funded by government agencies.

Responsibilities include analysis of proposed projects, ability to establish and maintain project scope, budget, and schedule, foster strong team spirit, and manage project resources from project start-up through close-out.  In collaboration with project team members, the position develops and documents project goals, objectives, critical success factors, and detailed project plans.  Responsibilities include ensuring projects are appropriately resourced, tracking progress and costs against plan, providing timely status updates, maintaining project quality, and ensuring projects are successfully completed on time and within budget.  The position participates on assigned K-State committees and assists in the development of project management strategies, standards, policies, and procedures.
 

Description of Job Responsibilities includes:

1. Project Leadership-30%-Essential

Work with project sponsors and NABC management to develop project justification and documentation.  Establish, prepare and document project scope, deliverables, milestones, resource requirements, and budget.  Provide leadership to project teams.  Resolve issues or conflicts.  Identify and manage project risks.  Prepare and participate in formal project presentations.  Facilitate project team, project sponsor, steering committee, or other meetings as appropriate.

2. Project Analysis, Planning, and Start-Up-30%-Essential

Analyze and advise on the financial, human resource, and scheduling impacts of proposed projects.  Participate in the development of project statements and/or submission forms for project approvals.  Develop detailed project plans, tailoring methodology to reflect project needs.  Ensure that management, research team members, and subcontractors commit to the project.  Identify procedures and appropriate tools to be used for each project.

3. Project Execution, Monitoring, and Reporting-30%-Essential

Ensure projects are successfully completed on time and within budget.  Implement project policies and procedures.  Establish and maintain quality throughout the project.  Monitor status of projects in progress and determine schedule or cost variations from plans.  Work to remove obstacles impeding progress.  Escalate issues/problems/risks to appropriate level for resolution.  Prepare clear, concise, and accurate explanations and justifications for variations from plan.  Control project scope.  Obtain appropriate approvals and revise the plan if necessary.  Update project risks and establish prevention and mitigation procedures.  Communicate frequent status updates to appropriate personnel.  Work with NABC staff and staff of other appropriate University offices to develop and maintain the project documentation files.  Prepare reports to be submitted to project sponsors and key project stakeholders.

4. Project Close Out-10%-Essential

Obtain formal user approvals throughout the project and at project completion.  Close out open action items.  Ensure smooth roll-out and system implementation and maintenance of applicable systems. Prepare project close-out information as required by project sponsor.  Conduct lessons learned sessions and participate in team celebrations.

The successful candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree, a minimum five years experience in leading and managing advanced technology research programs funded by government agencies; a broad knowledge of the Federal contracting requirements including demonstrated knowledge of Defense Federal Acquisitions Regulation System (DFARS); strong interpersonal, leadership, writing and communication skills; strong analytical skills with attention to detail; the ability to interact professionally and effectively across all levels of an organization to accomplish complex objectives; the ability to motivate team members, create a positive work environment, and resolve conflicts; the ability to develop and deliver professional presentations to a wide variety of audiences; be proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint) and have a working knowledge of Microsoft Project or other scheduling software.  Further, the successful candidate must have the ability to work independently with little supervision and have the ability to undergo a favorable background investigation.

Preferred qualifications include: Experience in leading and managing advanced technology research programs funded by government agencies; Project Management Professional (PMP); Knowledge of business functions in a major research university; Experience serving as the authorized interface with Government Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer’s Representative/Technical Representative (COR/COTR); Experience developing and implementing standards, policies, and procedures; Experience developing strategic plans and a Masters degree in the life sciences, or other appropriately related field.

Applicants should submit a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three individuals willing to write a confidential letter of reference upon request to:

Search Committee Chair
NABC Project Director
Kansas State University
203 Fairchild Hall
Manhattan KS 66506

Review of applications by the search committee will begin March 8, 2009 and will continue until a suitable candidate has been identified, with an expectation that the position will be filled by mid March, 2009.

Kansas State University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking diversity among its staff.
Background checks required.