Project Scientist

Opportunities

Position: STEAM Lab Fellow 

Position Description: 

Purpose - STEAM Lab Fellows help to plan and execute summer programming for girls ages 7-12 that helps to increase their confidence and identity in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). Project Scientist prepares girls for a STEAM-confident future by creating introductions to professional women in the field, expeditions to top STEM employers and universities, and high-quality, hands-on activities delivered by credentialed and Project Scientist-certified teachers. 

Responsibilities and objectives:

• The STEAM Lab Fellow will work directly with the Regional Director to plan and execute two North Carolina summer programs. STEAM Lab Fellows provide excitement, leadership, mentorship and coaching for groups of students from varying grade levels. 

• They will support staff on site by forming a unique partnership fueled by passion to bring the curriculum to life for students. Together they will add their own unique backgrounds and resources to inspire their students to take risks, see their failure as key for innovation, develop growth mindset and grit, and encourage exploration and discovery through the sciences. 

• STEAM Lab Fellows will work and collaborate with Project Scientist staff, interact weekly with program partners and community members, and are representatives of Project Scientist in the communities they serve. 

• STEAM Lab Fellows will have the unique opportunity to connect with women professionals in various STEM fields and companies. 

• They are an important part of our organization and are key in making the vision of Project Scientist a reality by maintaining a creative and fun STEAM-orientated environment that powers young girls to develop a deep love of learning and confidence in STEM. 

• Examples of responsibilities may include: carrying out day to day logistics, supporting staff on site, assisting in coordinating transportation and meals, and gathering content for social media posts. STEAM Lab Fellows will work with the Site Director, Teachers, and Regional Directors to create a culture of inclusion and a fun and empowering learning environment for our girls*. 

  • Since its inception, Project Scientist has focused on creating programs for underrepresented gender identities, primarily, girls. We do so to help address the significant gender gap in STEM degrees and STEM careers. That being said, we are happy to serve students of all gender identities and expressions. 

Opportunities for professional development :

• Lasting Positive Impact on Kids, Staff, Families, and Communities: STEAM Lab Fellows develop meaningful relationships with staff members, students and families, and inspire the spark of STEAM Lab: get girls enthused about STEAM, and teach them how to be a friend and have a friend, have fun, and build confidence. 

• Experience and Networking: Not only will you be working for a premier STEAM education organization; you’ll be working with leading STEM companies like Trane Technologies and Albemarle. Daily interaction and networking opportunities with faculty and STEM superstars from well-known STEM corporations will allow you the opportunity to build your network and social capital. Experience working at Project Scientist will propel your resume and opportunity for other leadership roles in different organizations. 

• Leadership Training & Professional Development: All STEAM Lab Fellows receive great training including gender-neutral STEM teaching strategies, classroom management, and more. STEAM Lab Fellows work with experienced credentialed teachers and staff members that can serve as great mentors and references. 

• Opportunity: As Project Scientist grows, we are always looking for successful staff members to promote from within for future leadership opportunities. 

• Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with other departments and roles within our nonprofit organization including Marketing, Programming, Fundraising, and Executive Leadership. Possible opportunities for additional networking events. 

• Diversity: Working with an organization that is forward thinking in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 

Required or preferred skills: 

• A college professional currently enrolled in a 2 or 4 year degree program; preferred fields include education, STEM based field, business management, nonprofit or social services 

• Passion for working with children 

• Belief in the power of education and use it as a tool to inspire 

• Thrive in groups built on communication and collaboration and encouraging young girls to do the same 

• Organized with a special attention for detail 

• Ability to think on your feet and problem solve while taking initiative with students, parents, and teachers 

• Excel at coaching and motivating groups centered around a common goal 

• Approach each day with enthusiasm, positivity, critical thinking, collaboration and FUN 

• View failure as a key to innovation and push students and teachers to work through it 

• Demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, self-confidence, maturity and a sense of perspective 

• Conditional on passing background checks & completing state mandated training 

Office environment - Project Scientist employees/fellows work predominantly in a remote setting, with the exception of our in person programs, such as STEAM Lab. The STEAM Lab fellow would be needed on site at Trane Davidson and Albemarle (in Charlotte) for one week periods (two weeks total). Additional, occasional in person meetings will be held with the Regional Director and possible program partners. 

Interested? Contact Jacki Lane, Regional Director, at jacki@projectscientist.org.