Education Outreach Program Specialist at Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

Job location is at 
10240 Science Center Dr, 
San Diego, CA 92121, and 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 92037

The Education Outreach Specialist will develop, deliver, and assess STEM outreach programming for high school and middle school.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• With direction from the Manger, coordinate the Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars program.


• With direction from Manager, facilitate the annual Ellen Potter Teacher Symposium and three additional teacher trainings. Recruit, coordinate, and manage scientist speakers and volunteers.


• Manage the Education Outreach School Visits and curriculum, ensuring a minimum of 5 school visits per year. Additionally train and supervise volunteers, coordinate program delivery with teachers, manage equipment and inventory, and work to update curriculum and program logistics as needed.


• Develop partnerships with teachers and attend STEM community forums and networking opportunities as assigned.


• Maintaining relevant data for all ongoing programs including, but not limited to, High School Science Day, teacher trainings, community events, and High School Summer Scholars.


• Working with CE Manager and COMM in developing a communication and social media strategy for CE and EO.


• Provide overall department support including maintaining inventory, cross training in education outreach programs as well as assisting at education outreach community and campus events as needed. Provide overall support for all special projects as assigned. Staff community events as assigned.


• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibilites:

• Indirectly supervises 12 to 16 employees within the Education Outreach department(s).- This position will provide work direction for the high school interns as well as the community college interns.

What we require

• Bachelor's Degree (BA) from a four-year college or university.


• One to two years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.


• Certificates, licenses, and registrations preferred: Single-subject Teaching Credential and at least 2 years of high school level teaching experience in the biological sciences.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $26.92 to $33.39 per hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, department budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.  

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.