MICROBENet^Net Research Coordinator

KS Biological Survey

Position Overview
We are seeking to hire a Project Coordinator who
will play a central role in the coordination, integration, and planning of activities across the MICROBENet^Net research network. Working
closely with the PIs and Steering Committee, the coordinator will support both in-person and virtual programming, facilitate engagement
among participating investigators, and coordinate early-career researcher (ECR – grad students, postdoc, etc.) activities across the
network.

The Project Coordinator will assist with the planning, organization, and implementation of MICROBENet^Net components,
including research exchanges, research colloquia, virtual programming, and follow-on meetings at international conferences. A core
responsibility of this position is the planning and facilitation of online activities that support sustained engagement among nodes, as well
as coordination and leadership of early career researcher activities in alignment with network goals.

The Project Coordinator will
serve as a primary point of contact among PIs, ECRs, and network participants. Responsibilities include managing applications for research
exchanges and network activities; organizing materials for review by the PIs and Steering Committee; coordinating logistics for meetings,
travel, and events; and supporting transparent, equitable review processes.

The coordinator will develop and maintain a database of
MICROBENet^Net participants, ECRs researchers, and network nodes. In addition, the coordinator will disseminate, collect, and synthesize
evaluations and assessment materials required for NSF reporting and internal program review. The coordinator will also lead the development
and maintenance of MICROBENet^Net communications and online community platforms (e.g., Slack, Zoom meetings, and website) to enhance
connectivity, collaboration, and visibility across the network.

The Research Coordinator will be hired by the Kansas Biological
Survey, Center for Ecological Research, and will be based at the University of Kansas.

Job Description
35% – Develop, maintain, and strategically plan MICROBENet^Net communications and online community infrastructure (Slack,
Zoom programming, and website), including facilitating virtual meetings and online engagement among PIs, ECRs, and network
participants.

30% – Organize application materials, communicate with applicants, and provide logistical and
coordination support for node activities, ECR research exchanges, travel awards, meetings, and conferences, in close collaboration with the
PIs and Steering Committee.

20% – Coordinate early-career researcher activities across the network, including
supporting graduate and postdoctoral leadership, facilitating communication among ECRs, and assisting with the planning of professional
development and networking activities.

10% – Assist with the development, dissemination, collection, and synthesis
of documentation required for NSF reporting, program assessment, and network evaluation. This includes supporting the submission of
communications to the larger ecological community.

5% – Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of
MICROBENet^Net researchers, early career scholars, and network nodes.

Position Requirements

1. Some degree
   of travel to project meetings is required.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in a related field and
   one (1) year of experience in field of study OR high school diploma and four (4) years of related experience.
2. Experience working in
   multi-institutional and/or international research environments, including communication across time zones and collaborative teams as shown
   in application materials.
3. Organization and written communication skills as evidenced in application materials.
4. Experience
   coordinating activities among multiple institutions, groups based in different time zones, and/or countries where English is not the first
   language as shown in application materials.
5. Experience coordinating and working within the academic science community as shown in
   application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master’s in Ecology and/or Evolutionary Biology OR a
   minimum of four (4) in project management.
2. Experience supporting or coordinating a multi-institutional research network, center, or
   collaborative program as evidenced in application materials.
3. Experience facilitating online communities, virtual meetings, or
   collaborative platforms with tools such as Slack, Zoom, etc. as shown in application materials.
4. Experience working with postdoctoral
   researchers or early-career scientists, including coordination, mentoring support, or program development as evidenced in application
   materials.
5. Experience with University of Kansas administrative systems such as FITC, Concur, Financial Service Portal or OAC as
   shown in application materials.
6. Experience with NSF-funded programs, reporting requirements, or evaluation processes as evidenced in
   application materials.

Contact Information to Applicants
Benjamin Sikes
[email protected]

Additional Candidate Instruction
In addition to the
online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter describing how you meet the
  required and preferred qualifications.
• Resume
• List of three (3) professional references

Only complete
applications will be considered.

Application review begins Monday, March 2, 2026 and will continue until a qualified pool of
applicants is identified.

Advertised Salary Range: $23.221154/hr

Application Review
Begins: 02-Mar-2026

Anticipated Start Date: 01-Apr-2026

Primary Campus
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE: .50

Reg/Temp: Regular

FLSA Status
Nonexempt

Employee Class: U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Schedule
20 hours per week. Two days standard 8am – 5pm, with other hours flexible to accommodate international
communications. Timing negotiable. International communication might necessitate rare non-standard meetings.

Hybrid schedule working
one (1) day a week on site, the rest remote. Fully on-site available if desired.

Job Family
Research-KUL

Conditions of Employment
Contingent on Funding

Work Location Assignment
Hybrid

Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color,
ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental
status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also
prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and
is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS
66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.