The SSSC Research Coordinator is the conduit for information flowing between visiting researchers, research partners, the Research Director, Operations Director, Education team, and other SSSC staff. The coordinator ensures that logistical and internal needs relating to the research mission are dealt with efficiently and competently. This is a multifaceted role that requires the coordinator to be able to pivot frequently among the three defining sectors of their job: 1) coordinating with visiting researchers, 2) providing technical services for SSSC’s portfolio of research projects, and 3) supporting educational programming related to research.
The Research Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for visiting researchers and collaborates directly with the Research Director and the Operations Director to ensure visiting researchers have the support they need to meet their goals. This position will coordinate with multiple research groups before, during, and after their time in Sitka to ensure schedule, space, equipment, and other needs are met. The Coordinator produces mutually-agreed upon budgets accounting for visiting researchers’ needs, and partners with the Finance Director to ensure timely invoicing occurs. The ability to communicate with a diverse group of people across disciplines, and anticipate their needs is essential. In addition, the SSSC maintains a Scientist in Residence Fellowship (SIRF) program where visiting researchers live in Sitka for a month and interact with the community in formal and informal settings. The coordinator is responsible for the SIRF Fellow’s travel logistics, coordinating the Fellow’s activities with the education team, arranging for the Fellow to participate informally with the public, and functioning as their primary ‘host’ while they are based at SSSC. Strong organizational skills are needed for this role.
The Research Coordinator also provides technical and administrative services for research projects conducted by the SSSC. The SSSC conducts a range of studies involving partners from a wide variety of scientific disciplines. The Research Coordinator should be ready to plan project logistics, assist with or lead field campaigns, collect and analyze data, and draft reports. Ideally, the coordinator will have a solid background in science with prior research experience, and they will have the support of the SSSC Research Director and other research department staff to grow these skills. The Research Coordinator’s primary duty is to provide support for research projects rather than lead them. However, we expect the coordinator to use their role to build their research
skills and grow as a scientist, and other research department staff are excited to help nurture and encourage this growth. This position requires a self-starter attitude and a willingness to assist with all aspects of the scientific process – from the glamorous to the mundane.
Finally, the Research Coordinator communicates and connects SSSC research activities to other staff and departments, educational initiatives, outside partners, and the broader community. The coordinator supports the SSSC education team by providing ideas, information, and hands-on assistance to develop education programming related to SSSC research. This includes mentorship of local students involved in scientific internships through SSSC. The coordinator is expected to be a primary representative of the research department at regular intra-organizational meetings and will provide content communicating research activities for the SSSC website, blog, newsletters, and social media. Due to the number of educational programs that occur outside of typical work hours, the Coordinator should be prepared to occasionally work irregular hours and on weekends in support of these programs. The coordinator will need to be a dynamic and effective science communicator who can engage people from a diversity of ages and
backgrounds.