Administrative Assistant

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has an immediate opportunity for an Administrative Assistant to provide support to several scientific Principal Investigators (PI), Core Facility Managers and their respective laboratories/facilities.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Manage calendars and scheduling as needed
• Serve as proxy time keeper for personnel in labs by approving time sheets, time off and timecard changes
• Process corporate credit card and expense reimbursements
• Coordinate lab meetings; create schedule, send meeting reminders, schedule speakers, etc.
• Maintain and update PI Lab pages on Danforth website or elsewhere
• Research and coordinate international and domestic travel arrangements (including conference registrations and visa process)
• Answer phones, greet and coordinate schedules for guests for meetings and speakers
• May create domestic and international shipments and associated tasks including filling out customs forms, estimating duties, etc.
• Arrange housing and assist with visas for temp/visiting scientists
• Plan event logistics and organize scientific meetings, conferences and seminars (including schedules, meals and transportation) and other special projects.
• Assist with job postings through the Center applicant tracking system (Paycom)and coordinate and track applicant screening and interviews
• Prepare new hire, termination, employee change and labor allocation personnel action forms (PAFs)
• Complete administrative tasks for lab members which may include  reserving rooms, reimbursements, timesheets, reserve parking passes, etc.
• Maintain and develop relationships through ongoing communication with internal and external stakeholders, collaborators, guests, etc.
• Assist in database entry and tracking of safety training and dates; coordinate with new employees  and safety department to ensure training is scheduled and completed
• May compile regulatory information for bio-waste processing, USDA permits, and biological safety as needed
• May provide backup coverage for Center reception desk
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisors

The successful candidate will uphold and strengthen our core values of collaboration, innovation, integrity and respect, diversity and inclusion, stewardship, and environmental sustainability. They will demonstrate initiative and have a documented record of punctuality and dependability. In addition to outstanding organizational, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills, the candidate will possess the ability to effectively multi-task in a team-oriented environment. In addition, the successful candidate will have an excellent command of the English language and be comfortable with scientific terminology.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will:

• Possess a high school diploma and minimum 3 years of experience
• Solid computer knowledge with proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint & Excel) and Outlook is required
• Experience with Google Docs and Google Calendar is preferred
• Must possess the ability to work independently and the ability to manage multiple, competing priorities while demonstrating professionalism and respect
• Actively contribute to a positive work environment
• The ideal candidate will be eager to learn and share knowledge and will possess a strong service commitment

To apply, please complete online application at: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=23782&clientkey=0386834D209CD1EA462A147F53A126FF

The Danforth Center offers competitive pay and a generous benefits package.

About the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

Founded in 1998, The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is an independent, non-profit organization with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Our focus is scientific research at the nexus of food, energy and the environment to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. We assemble interactive teams of scientists and develop unique platforms to discover underlying principles about how plants work. We then convert that knowledge into useful crops and products, and partner with organizations that are best positioned to solve problems where they exist around the world. The Center’s work is funded through competitive grants from many sources, including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is proudly an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions at the Danforth Center are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It is our policy that the Danforth Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin and status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities.