How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Who We Are
The Institute for Global Change Biology (IGCB) is an interdisciplinary research institute embedded in the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS). We seek to enhance understanding of critical knowledge gaps and learn how to do science that has an impact (i.e. help find solutions to our climate and sustainability crises). Our overall research focus is on the interaction of the four main drivers of global environmental change (climate change, biodiversity loss and biotic invasion, land use and transformation, eutrophication) with key natural and human systems and processes. The IGCB currently focuses on six research areas or themes to meet four interwoven goals; and views these as our current priorities.
Mission Statement
At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.
To learn more about SEAS and our values, please visit our website at https://seas.umich.edu/about/seas-values.
Job Summary
The IGCB Administrative Assistant provides administrative support for IGCB's people, operations, and programming. This role is the primary point of coordination for HR and hiring logistics, financial and procurement processes, events and space operations, and inbound communications. Work is cyclical, with predictable peak periods (e.g., annual recruitment cycles, reporting deadlines, major events) that require strong prioritization, accuracy, and customer service. As the administrative assistant, you will work closely with faculty leadership and partners across the university, primarily IGCB leadership, but also including SEAS Finance, SEAS HR, SEAS IT, and other school/unit administrators as needed.
Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
We welcome applicants with disabilities and support individuals in requesting accommodations. Please note that the full job description for this position can be found here, this posting has been modified for readability.
Note: This position will be a two (2) term-limited appointment with the possibility of renewal.
Responsibilities*
- Under direction of IGCB leadership, coordinate IGCB day-to-day fiscal operations with SEAS Finance, including expenditure tracking, routine transactions, and procurement initiation/tracking
- Support annual funding reports and provide administrative support for the University of Michigan LTER (Long Term Ecological Research Network) sub-award under IGCB leadership
- Manage IGCB administrative communications (announcements, routine department communications) and support maintenance of informational resources
- Collaborate with SEAS partners to update the IGCB website, post opportunities/calls, and manage website contact-form requests
- Assist the Director with reports, presentations, and publications (visuals/graphics, formatting, proofreading)
- Coordinate the annual postdoctoral recruitment cycle with SEAS HR, including review-panel logistics (materials, scheduling, meeting support, documentation)
- Liaise with SEAS HR and Finance to support postdoctoral research fellow offers, appointments, onboarding, contract/renewal workflows, visa-related processes, and startup fund setup/tracking
- Support administration of graduate fellowships and exchange fellow calls (applicant communications, materials organization, review coordination)
- Serve as a primary administrative resource for research fellows, graduate fellows, and advisers; track appointment dates and related reporting requirements
- Coordinate logistics for IGCB programming (weekly meetings, seminars, symposia): calendars, rooms, speakers, and day-of support
- Coordinate AV/Zoom needs and troubleshooting with SEAS IT; manage IGCB space operations including supplies, room bookings, and office space logistics for assigned postdoc groups
- Partner with SEAS IT to manage IGCB-funded devices/technology, including inventory management and individual compliance
Required Qualifications*
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 4+ years experience in administrative work, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
- Demonstrated experience supporting a research-driven department or institution
- Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including ability to create and deliver presentations
- Working or educational experience in global environmental change, biology, or both
Desired Qualifications*
- Demonstrated experience with managing websites or science media
- Experience in supporting hiring or recruitment processes
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
This position may be eligible for remote and/or flexible work opportunities at the discretion of the hiring department. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change dependent on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment.
Additional Information
Salary will be determined based on experience.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.