KEYS Instructional Specialist (Temporary) (Phoenix, AZ)

The BIO5 Institute at the University of Arizona is seeking a full-time, temporary KEYS Instructional Specialist (Outreach Instructional Specialist I) for the 2025 KEYS Research Internship Phoenix pilot program. The KEYS Program is a 7-week research internship for Arizona high school students, ages 16-18 years old, from June 2, 2025 - July 18, 2025.

This position will provide direct support to students participating in the KEYS Research Internship Phoenix pilot program. The KEYS Instructional Specialist (Phoenix) will implement the existing science literacy curriculum as well as provide feedback on course assignments. This position will provide direct mentorship to the temporary staff hired as a near peer mentor. This position will also assist with program event planning and implementation, along with general KEYS and BIO5 Institute support as needed. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, with a strong understanding of scientific research environments. These candidates will have the ability to work effectively with a wide variety of administrative, scientific, and academic groups. A background in science and experience educating high school students is a plus!

Please note anticipated schedule requirements: Part-time availability from April 2025-May 2025 for program training and certifications. Full Time availability (40+ hours a week) including one evening a week and weekend availability from June 2025-July 2025.

BIO5 transcends traditional research models by promoting intensive interdisciplinary collaboration with individuals from many departments and colleges within the University of Arizona. The BIO5 Institute also interfaces with a wide variety of constituents across Arizona as well as both the national and global science communities. BIO5 is dedicated to stimulating leading-edge interdisciplinary research in order to translate research into real-world applications in the fields of medicine and agriculture. The BIO5 Institute is committed to training the next generation of scientists as well as increasing scientific knowledge throughout society.

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide instruction, supervision, and mentorship to high school aged students participating in the 2025 KEYS Research Internship held on the Phoenix Biomedical Campus in Downtown Phoenix.
• Implement instruction of KEYS Research Internship science literacy lessons for Phoenix KEYS interns.
• Implement all KEYS Phoenix training week (first week of program 40+ hours) activities, lessons, and events.
• Implement weekly science seminars for Phoenix KEYS interns to include instruction of science literacy lessons, introduction of guest speakers and facilitating activities.
• Provide student feedback on program assignments and end of internship presentations.
• Attend weekly meetings with KEYS staff and the teaching team to report on intern progress and prepare for the next week's lessons.
• Provide assistance with participant homework assignments.
• Assist with implementation of KEYS Phoenix program events.
• Travel to Tucson for the KEYS Slam on Thursday, July 17th and stay overnight to attend the KEYS Research Showcase on Friday, July 18th.
• Participate in the 2025 KEYS Research Internship debrief meeting via zoom with program evaluator on Monday, July 21st.
• Assist with KEYS program communications for students, parents, and stakeholders.
• Assist with maintenance of Maricopa County schools database including key CTE instructors.
• Maintain and update the BIO5 Institute's Industry database.
• Research and identify grant opportunities for KEYS program funding.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively with participants, faculty, and staff.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to implement existing science literacy curriculum lessons and provide guidance to students regarding best practices for science communication.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience and one (1) year of relevant work experience required.
• Schedule requirements:
  • Full-time availability (40+ hours a week) including one evening a week and weekend availability from April 2025 - May 2025.
  • Part-time availability from June 2025 - July 2025 for program training and certifications.
• Minimum age -18 years old.