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Pennsylvania State University

Administrative Assistant - Materials Science and Engineering

🇺🇸 University Park, Pennsylvania 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $45K - $65K 💻 Other 🗓️ October 6th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

Penn State University Park is hiring an Administrative Assistant - Materials Science and Engineering. This role manages daily office activities, supports faculty operational tasks, coordinates conferences, and handles communications and budget monitoring within the research group.

Highlights
  • Manage operational activities and administrative processes for a faculty research group
  • Coordinate logistics for meetings, conferences, and special events
  • Support scheduling, travel arrangements, and calendar management
  • Prepare reports, presentations, summaries, contracts, and proposals by organizing and analyzing information
  • Monitor budgets, process financial transactions, and assist with budget preparation
  • Create and maintain files, databases, and inventories; order supplies and manage equipment maintenance
  • May direct and train support staff, students, and wage payroll personnel
  • Requires Associate Degree and 4+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination
  • Salary range: $44,628 to $64,668
  • Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition discounts

Administrative Assistant - Materials Science and Engineering Full Description

Administrative Assistant - Materials Science and Engineering
Penn State University Park
Full time

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:


Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. 
 
POSITION SPECIFICS​
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is seeking a well-organized, detail-oriented individual to fill the position of Administrative Assistant (Senior Support). This position provides administrative support to a faculty member that includes managing the operational activities of their research group and overseeing the coordination of a variety of annual conferences and meetings.
 
  • Plan, organize, support, and coordinate daily office activities and administrative processes within an office or unit
  • Greet visitors and provide information; review, respond to, and direct inquiries
  • Provide support for scheduling, personal calendars, and travel arrangements
  • Coordinate meeting logistics including scheduling, material preparation, and agendas
  • Compose, review, and distribute internal and external communications
  • Collect, organize, research, and analyze information and data to prepare reports, presentations, summaries, contracts, and proposals
  • Create and maintain files and databases
  • Monitor and maintain budget, process financial transactions, track expenditures, process budget revisions, and assist with budget preparation and projections
  • Maintain inventory and order office supplies; arrange for equipment maintenance; process work orders for facilities needs
  • Resolve inquiries and ensure compliance with work unit and/or University policies and procedures
Additional responisbilites may include:
  • Support and coordinate special events; reserve spaces, develop itineraries, prepare materials, coordinate work between teams, and serve as point of contact with vendors
  • May perform non-routine and confidential administrative duties, and proxy responsibilities as authorized
  • May coordinate work assignments of department/unit support employees to ensure efficient work flow and processes
  • May interview, train, and direct the work of other support staff, students, and wage payroll personnel
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSAssociate Degree
4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience 
accepted
Required Certifications:
None
 
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
 Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa.  Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
 
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.
 
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
 
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.  We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.