Administrative Associate: Department of Microbiology - UTK

This role coordinates all aspects of undergraduate and graduate student support, serving as a key resource to the department and broader campus community. Responsibilities include responding to inquiries regarding academic programs, university policies, and available campus resources, while delivering high-quality customer service in a student-facing office environment.

This position supports undergraduate and graduate academic operations and student engagement within the Department of Microbiology. Responsibilities include maintaining records of microbiology students and distributing departmental announcements and event information as needed. The role serves as the primary point of contact for Natural Sciences Advising and collaborates with the faculty coordinator on course scheduling and maintenance of the department timetable in Banner.

Additional duties include supporting the Director of the Microbiology Undergraduate Club with planning and coordinating special events, assisting students with class registration, and managing undergraduate research fellowships. The position also coordinates the departments annual faculty and student retreat.

This position serves as the Graduate Student Administrative Coordinator for the Department of Microbiology, working in partnership with the Director of Graduate Studies to support all aspects of the graduate student lifecycle, including admissions, enrollment, and graduation. Responsibilities include coordinating the graduate admissions process from initial inquiry through matriculation, arranging and processing travel for prospective students, and providing administrative support to the Microbiology Graduate Admissions Committee.

The role works closely with Graduate School Graduation Specialists and maintains departmental records related to student degree progression, fellowship tracking, and OPIc testing. Additional duties include assisting with student registration, award applications, Graduate School form submissions, and data collection for programmatic assessments. The position also collaborates with the department accountant on graduate student tuition and fee validation, and processes student travel expense reports.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED

• Experience: 2 years of administrative experience

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Ability to use spreadsheets to maintain student academic progression records

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to plan and arrange events with attention to detail

  • Ability to work independently and make sound decisions based on department practices and university policy

  • Strong interpersonal skills

  • Ability to multi-task

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree preferred

• Experience: Experience in higher education preferred

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Experience with Banner and DASH.

  • Knowledge of University policies and procedures.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR05

• Anticipated hiring range: $38,000 - $44,500

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The Department

Please visit to learn more about our Department.