Support Community Scientist

Position: Support Community Scientist

Reports to: Director of Community Science, New England

Status: Part-time (24 hours per week), non-exempt position

Compensation: $29.09 - $37.84/ hour

Union: Union position

Start Date: September 2024

Location: Somerville, MA

Travel Requirements: 15% or less

Summary

BioBus, Inc. is pleased to announce a job opening for a Support Community Scientist. We are seeking someone with scientific training and a passion for education to join our New England -based team. This part-time role will staff and teach in classroom programs, Mobile Laboratory, and field trip programs, including school-day introductory science lab classes and outside of school-time advanced lab programs.

Company Information

BioBus helps K-12 and college students discover, explore, and pursue science. We focus on students excluded from the scientific community due to factors such as race, gender, economic status, and physical access. Through this work, we envision a world where all people have the opportunity to reach their full scientific potential. We’ve reached 350,000 students at more than 900 schools since 2008, primarily in NYC public and charter schools and as far away as California.

BioBus students connect with scientists from diverse backgrounds, learn lab and research skills, practice science communication, and take steps to become the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers, making the world better for all of us. Our students access and become part of the scientific community through introductory science labs aboard our mobile labs at their schools; after-school, weekend, and summer programs; and year-long internships. Recently we have expanded to the Boston area with a team based in New England, that provides a full pathway of programs for students in Boston public schools and beyond.

BioBus’s scientific team consists of highly trained scientists, who work collaboratively to develop unforgettable learning experiences. BioBus encourages creativity and creates space for all staff to suggest new programs, new methods, and otherwise have a voice in shaping the direction of their team and the organization. We offer a casual work environment, flexible work schedules, competitive benefits, and a friendly and supportive culture free from excessive hierarchy. 

Responsibilities:

●       BioBus lab programs 3 days a week (either aboard mobile labs, in classroom programs, or in virtual field trips) which involves::

○      In charge of teaching and learning in classes, with volunteers and facilities team support. The Support Community Scientist will lead students in hands-on activities using state-of-the-art microscopes

○       Traveling to diverse neighborhoods across the Boston Metro Area, with occasional travel to other parts of New England.

○       Working with students grades PreK-12

○       Interacting with hundreds of students per week

○       Imbuing students with a passion for open-ended exploration of the natural world

●       Hands-on, inquiry-driven science programs:

○       Teach after school programs with community partners

○       Support more senior BioBus scientists in science internships for high school and college students on weekends and weekdays 

○       Science summer camps

○       Teach weekend programs for students and families 

○       Staff public programs for a diverse audience

○       Prepare learning materials and educational tools under the supervision of a more senior Community Scientist

Requirements:

●       Bachelor’s degree in a science-related or teaching-related field

● Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to children and young adults

● 1 year co-teaching or leading formal or informal science education programs

● A passion for science and education!

● Highly organized and responsible 

● Flexibility to work on weekends 

● Willingness to travel locally to programs across the greater Boston area, primarily Suffolk and Middlesex counties but also including Essex and Norfolk Counties, up to 2-3 days per week.

● Willingness to travel to other locations in New England for programs as needed, up to 4 times per year, each trip lasting approximately 2 days and including overnight travel.

● Willingness to travel to NYC for all-staff meetings up to 4 times per year, each trip lasting approximately 3-5 days.

Preferred Qualifications

●       1+ year teaching or outreach experience, formal or informal

●       Scientific research laboratory experience for at least 1 year

●       Diverse co-teaching experience, with multiple student age groups

●       Optical microscopy expertise

●       Video production/editing skills

●       Google Suite fluent, spreadsheet capable, willing to learn data entry  using Salesforce platform

●       Proficiency in Spanish

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

BioBus seeks to fill this position with someone who shares our values, including our organizational commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we are most interested in finding the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background, and that’s okay. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.