Program Specialist I - Bioeconomy Institute

Position Title:

Program Specialist I -

Bioeconomy Institute Job Group:

Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree

Job Description:

Summary 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.

Description:

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.

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

July 31, 2028

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12

Month Work Period Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS806

Original Posting Date:

May 21, 2026

Posting Close Date:

June 7, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

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. By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. 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. If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or

Toll-Free:

(877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942. 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.