What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Specialist position at monell chemical senses center?
Program Specialist
MONELL CHEMICAL SENSES CENTER
The Monell Chemical Senses Center is the world’s leading independent research institute dedicated to the senses of taste and smell. Monell maintains longstanding partnerships with industry to translate discoveries into products and technologies that improve human health, nutrition, and sensory well-being. The Center also leads multiple federal training initiatives, including NIH-supported programs to prepare the next generation of scientific innovators.
Position Overview
Monell seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented Program Specialist to support Academic Affairs programming and operations. This role is ideal for someone early in their administrative career who enjoys working behind the scenes to ensure programs and events run smoothly.
This position is primarily funded through the Monell Science Entrepreneurship Program for Healthy Aging (MSEP-HA), and as such, particular attention and support will be dedicated to the coordination and execution of this program alongside other Academic Affairs initiatives.
The Program Specialist will provide essential coordination and logistical support across multiple training programs and internal initiatives, including seminar series, journal clubs, and professional development activities. The ideal candidate is proactive, dependable, and eager to learn, with strong communication skills and a hospitality-oriented mindset.
Students and early-career professionals are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- MSEP-HA Program Support
- Provide dedicated administrative and logistical support for the MSEP-HA training program, including scheduling, materials preparation, and coordination of program activities
- Assist with trainee onboarding, communications, and day-to-day program operations
- Support tracking of participation, basic metrics, and program documentation
- Program & Event Coordination
- Support logistics for training programs, seminar series, and journal clubs
- Coordinate scheduling across speakers, trainees, and internal stakeholders
- Assist with room bookings, calendar management, and event setup
- Administrative & Operational Support
- Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, and take clear, actionable notes
- Manage email communications and maintain organized records and tracking systems
- Compile and organize basic program metrics and participation data
- Hospitality & Event Experience
- Coordinate catering (e.g., ordering meals, managing deliveries, setup/cleanup)
- Serve as a welcoming, professional point of contact for program participants and guests
- Communications & Materials
- Create and update flyers, announcements, and program materials using Canva templates
- Assist with distributing communications to internal and external audiences
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in progress or completed preferred)
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
- Willingness to learn new tools and systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior administrative, customer service, or hospitality experience
- Experience supporting events, meetings, or academic programming
- Familiarity with Canva or similar design tools
- Interest in higher education, research, or program administration
What Success Looks Like in This Role
Within the first year, the Program Specialist reliably supports the smooth execution of MSEP-HA and related Academic Affairs programming by maintaining organized systems, clear communication, and consistent attention to detail. They become a trusted operational partner who ensures events and training activities run seamlessly while proactively improving coordination and efficiency across programs.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Monell provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Application Instructions
Please apply through our Career Center by following the link below.
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d24b5e1f-d19a-4772-990f-d7a981aadfe4&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=961303&lang=en_US&source=CC2