What are the responsibilities and job description for the QNM-I Program Specialist position at University of New Mexico?
The Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM-I) is seeking a highly motivated, dynamic, detail-oriented, and organized individual to join QNM-I as a Program Specialist. QNM-I is a Category-III, university-wide, research center whose mission is to advance interdisciplinary research and education in the field of "quantum information science and engineering" (QISE). The QNM-I builds state-wide partnerships with national laboratories and industry to grow New Mexico's activities as a national hub for QISE. QNM-I fellows include UNM faculty across colleges and departments as well as staff scientists at Sandia National Laboratories. The QNM-I includes the Center for Quantum Information and Control (CQuIC), home of the National Science Foundation's "Focused Research Hub in Theoretical Physics" (FRHTP) with the goal of advancing cutting edge QISE research, enhancing the development of early-career scientists, and serving as a "theory hub" for the QISE community. Hub activities include a postdoctoral fellowship program, hosting of seminars, visitors, and conferences. The QNM-I is also an active participant in the multi-institutional centers, launched under the National Quantum Initiative Act. Through these center-wide grants and other investigator grants, QNM-I faculty supervise student research at all levels.
The selected candidate will coordinate, oversee, and/or perform a wide variety of administrative and program support activities. Additionally, they will work with the Program Manager to plan and coordinate the day-to-day administrative and operational activities of QNM-I projects and initiatives. This is a term, full-time, benefits eligible position with current funding available through 6/30/2026. Continuance beyond that date is subject to the availability of additional funding. QNM-I has a 15-year history of successful funding, and is strategically planning on the submission of grants to continue funding through 2031, if successful. This position may require limited travel within New Mexico.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Daily Operations: Serves as the principal liaison between QNM-I students, faculty, staff, other UNM units, external partners, and other external constituencies on day-to-day programmatic, operational, and administrative issues.
- Administrative Support: Performs administrative support tasks, including scheduling for the Director, serving as the point of contact for QNM-I, managing purchasing of supplies, and record keeping. Coordinates travel and reimbursements for students, postdocs, faculty, and others associated with the program.
- Event Coordination and Implementation: Works with the Program Manager in planning, coordination, and implementation of scientific workshops. Acts as the chief administrative organizer of the Southwest Quantum Information and Technology (SQuInT) Annual Workshop, working with the SQuInT faculty Chief Organizer in program planning, administering the event's finances, in event planning and implementation. In addition, supports 2-3 other similarly structured workshops per year.
- Visitors and Seminars: Works with QNM-I members in coordination with seminar visitors and visiting researchers. Coordinates with the Global Education Office to establish the status of foreign individuals, Visiting Scholars, and incoming personnel.
- Marketing and Communications: UNM UCAM, and others to support the development, implementation, and marketing of program objectives, particularly, in the QNM-I web page as a tool for promoting QNM-I activities to external constituencies.
- Purchasing: Support QNM-I by completing general purchases and travel arrangements for faculty, staff, and students as appropriate.
See the Position Description for additional information.
- Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
- If located at the UNM Children's Campus, successful candidate must pass a comprehensive post-offer, pre-employment criminal and New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) fingerprint background check, and a continued successful status will be verified by periodic future background checks.
High school diploma or GED; at least 6 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
- Ability to work with diverse communities of faculty, staff, students, and others in a higher education setting.
- Ability to problem-solve and manage multiple detailed projects.
- Strong verbal/written communication skills applied to marketing.
- Computer proficiency: experience using Microsoft Office suite programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the ability to learn new software as required.
- Knowledge and experience of university business practices.
- Knowledge and experience of purchasing, contract agreements, and travel procedures.
- Experience in event planning and coordination.
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
A complete application will consist of the following materials:1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Three Professional References.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.
Salary : $3,697 - $5,191