Program Specialist II

Position Title:

Program Specialist II

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Job Description:

The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University is seeking a Program Specialist II to support research and development activities within the Polymer and Food Protection Consortium (PFPC). This position plays a key role supporting applied research projects, managing research projects, and communication with industry partners and PFPC faculty and staff.

The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and professional, with strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. They must be adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, effectively manage multiple responsibilities, and adjust to changing priorities while maintaining productivity, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Examples of Duties:

Coordinate and monitor research projects to ensure objectives, deliverables, and timelines are met.

Manage databases and documentation for major research initiatives, including total fluorine, packaging legislation, and post-consumer recycled materials.

Collaborate with faculty, staff, and industry partners to develop and coordinate research projects.

Serve as the primary liaison between research teams and industry partners.

Prepare research reports, scholarly manuscripts, and industry presentations/webinars.

Manage PFPC documentation, publications, grants, presentations, and membership records in CyBox.

Monitor and coordinate day-to-day PFPC lab operations.

Support personnel administration, including student hiring, timekeeping, and scheduling.

Develop and implement marketing, promotional, and communication strategies.

Manage internal and external communications, public relations, and outreach to inform university and industry stakeholders.

Support the PFPC Director with communication planning and development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a related field.
• Knowledge of packaging guidelines, standards, terminology, and industry practices.
• Experience in customer relations and building collaborative relationships with industry partners.
• Professional experience within the packaging industry.
• Why Join Us?
• At Iowa State University, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to innovative research focused on sustainability, recycling technologies, and advanced materials. You'll work alongside researchers, students, and industry partners while gaining experience with specialized processing equipment and applied research projects that have real-world impact.
• This is a one-year term position with opportunity for renewal.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter
• Why Choose Iowa State University?
• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
• If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
• Appointment Type: Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
• Proposed End Date or Length of Term: November 30, 2027
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
• Time Type: Full time
• Pay Grade: PS807
• Original Posting Date: November 13, 2026
• Posting Close Date: November 20, 2026
• Job Requisition Number: R20235
• Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
• General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.