Jun 02, 2025

Huck opens search for Associate Director for Graduate Education

The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences is seeking an innovative Penn State faculty member with a strong background in interdisciplinary life sciences research and a passion for teaching and mentoring graduate students to join our Huck leadership team as an Associate Director for Graduate Education.

The successful applicant will coordinate the Huck’s six Intercollege Graduate Degree Programs (IGDPs) and Masters of Biotechnology program. These programs are at the heart of the Huck mission to integrate life sciences across the University and bring together over 200 faculty and about 250 students across 9 colleges. They host multiple federal training grants, are highly ranked nationally and help maintain scientific excellence by attracting top graduate students.

The Associate Director of Graduate Education will be responsible for oversight and organization of the Huck Graduate Programs. The Associate Director will work the Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, the Huck Managing Director, the Huck Graduate Programs Office staff, and the Chairs of the degree programs to support recruitment activities, student progress to degree and recognition of student and program faculty achievements. The Associate Director will work with Graduate Program Chairs and the Director of Graduate Training Initiatives to identify new opportunities for growth and support, including training grant opportunities, as well as opportunities to coordinate and leverage seminars, coursework, symposia or other activities across programs. The successful candidate will provide guidance and oversight of the Huck Graduate Student Advisory Committee, which supports multiple activities, including the annual Life Sciences Symposium, which showcases the research of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars and offers professional development and engagement opportunities. As needed, the Associate Director will work with faculty members, students, and graduate program chairs to mediate difficult student-faculty conflicts, ensuring fair and constructive resolutions. The successful candidate will also serve on the Huck Executive Board, advising the Director on strategic priorities and opportunities for research and education across the Huck Institutes and collaborating Colleges.

A PhD in life sciences or related disciplines, an interdisciplinary research portfolio, and a record of excellence in mentoring graduate students is required. Prior leadership experience, including coordinating the activities of staff members, is strongly preferred. Prior engagement with the Huck Graduate Programs is preferred but not required. Initial appointment will be for 2 years and is renewable. The Huck Institutes will provide $30,000 per year to be used as any combination of supplemental salary, research support funds, and/or teaching or service buyout.

To apply, please submit a brief letter of interest addressing skills related to the position responsibilities and a CV to: Christina Grozinger, Director, Huck Institutes for the Life Sciences at cmg25@psu.edu. Review of applicants will commence on June 15, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Start date negotiable but preferred by September 2025.