Director of Science Education
About the Role
Genspace is a community biology lab dedicated to making hands-on science accessible to everyone. Over the past decade, we've opened the doors of biotechnology to 10,000+ curious minds from all walks of life. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a scientist-educator to lead Genspace's educational portfolio and shape its next chapter.
The Director of Science Education will oversee programs spanning adult informal learning, biotech workforce development, youth research internships, private programs, and an expanding frontier curriculum in biomaterials and bioart. Across each program, the Director will own the full lifecycle of Genspace’s offerings, from protocol and curriculum development to program operations and strategic expansion. In any given week, the Director may be found teaching in the lab, collaborating with an instructor to troubleshoot a new workshop, or meeting with workforce development partners. It's a role for someone who thrives at the intersection of scientific research, teaching, and community impact.
The Director reports to the Executive Director and supervises a Program Manager, with a Youth Programs Manager joining the team after Year 1. You'll grow that team, build employer and community partnerships, and design the inquiry-based lab experiences and instructional infrastructure that make great wet-lab education possible for any audience.
If you are a scientist who loves to teach, a teacher who loves working at the bench, and a leader looking to make an impact in community science, we would love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
adult Informal Education Programs
Develop the annual education program calendar in support of the organizational strategic vision: assess program offering frequency, variety, and gaps
Plan, implement, and manage online and in-person educational workshops, events, and public programming for Genspace learners
Oversee program evaluation, including providing timely feedback and professional development for instructors — especially in active, inquiry-based learning pedagogy and DEAI practices
Coordinate with instructors and Lab Tech to support high-quality, safe class delivery in a shared community lab space
Curriculum Development & Teaching
Lead curriculum development of new biotech classes, workshops, and programs — grounding all offerings in authentic lab practice and real biological systems
Co-author and co-design new modules that expand the breadth and depth of Genspace’s learning opportunities, with attention to scaffolding for learners at all experience levels
Create strong learning outcomes that measure proficiency of hands-on lab skills alongside qualitative aspects of the inquiry and community lab experience
Model inquiry-based pedagogy for instructors
Develop new curriculum for biomaterials classes and contribute to the Gotham Foundry collaboration supporting research and education in future materials
Expand Genspace’s reach in the biomaterials and bioart realms through new hands-on programming
Youth Workforce Development Programs
In Year 1, the Director will implement and lead youth programs. After Year 1, these responsibilities will transition to a Youth Programs Manager supervised by this role.
Provide positive youth development for all participants — creating a safe, engaging, and supportive environment; developing participants’ strengths; and making space for youth voice and choice
Set the strategic direction for Biorocket, defining annual goals, metrics, and program design in collaboration with the Executive Director
Plan, implement, and manage the Biorocket Research Internship Program for local high school students during spring and summer semesters
Manage interns, volunteers, and contractors to assist in the implementation of the Biorocket program and other youth programs
Teach synthetic biology, lab skills, and science communication to Biorocket interns
Coordinate Biorocket alumni engagement activities, including Beyond Biorocket continuing professional development
Adult Workforce Development Programs
Set the strategic direction for Break into Biotech, defining annual goals, metrics, and program design in collaboration with the Program Manager and Executive Director
Directly supervise the Biotech Workforce Development Program Manager, providing regular check-ins, ongoing coaching, clear goal-setting, and regular performance feedback
Use program evaluation data to drive continuous improvement across recruitment, instruction, and participant outcomes
Cultivate high-level relationships with prospective employers and workforce development partners to create pathways for participants
Represent Break into Biotech externally at sector convenings and relevant community networks
Other Programs & Partnerships
Execute marketing and recruitment for paid private programs with companies, high schools and universities, CBOs, and other K–12 and youth and family partners
Design and facilitate inquiry-based learning activities for private and partner programs, adapting Genspace’s community lab environment for new audiences
Develop DEAI initiatives in collaboration with Genspace staff, including community outreach and engagement
Participate in city and national networks on behalf of Genspace (e.g. NYC Science Research and Mentoring Consortium (SRMC), NYC STEM Education Network, Global Community Bio Summit, Gotham Foundry)
Data, Communications & Operations
Manage data collection and evaluation for all education programs
Collaborate with Genspace team members to manage brand, graphic assets, images, web and social media content, and other communications materials in support of programming and advertising
Maintain and update the Education Programs Google Drive and AirTable for workshop documentation
Collaborate with the Executive Director on education program budgeting and revenue goals
Collaborate with the Executive Director in support of grant writing and fundraising — collecting program impact stories and quotes, and writing grant applications for education programs
Other research or administrative tasks as needed
Team Leadership & Supervision
Foster a collaborative, mission-driven team culture that reflects Genspace’s commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based science education
Delegate program responsibilities across the education team effectively, ensuring balanced workloads and clear ownership
Support the professional development and growth of direct reports, including mentorship in pedagogy, program management, and community engagement
Recruit, vet, onboard and coach new instructors who share a commitment to hands-on, community science education
Manage Genspace volunteers in support of educational programs, including Teaching Assistants
Requirements
A doctoral degree in the life sciences (cell, molecular, and synthetic biology preferred) or equivalent experience
3-5 years of applicable experience, including hands-on work in education — experience teaching in a lab, makerspace, or informal science learning environment strongly preferred
Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate inquiry-based learning experiences that connect learners to authentic scientific practice
Strong program management experience
Comfort working in and teaching from a shared, community wet lab environment — including supporting safe lab technique and protocol development for diverse learners
Experience supervising or mentoring staff, with the ability to lead a small team effectively
Experience working with youth, including positive youth development practices and creating safe, inclusive environments
Commitment to Genspace’s mission of providing wider access to biotech and citizen science
Passionate about teaching biology and working with students from underrepresented backgrounds, with an understanding of how hands-on science can be a powerful tool for equity and access
Interest in the biotech education space, including an understanding of trends, methodologies, and technologies to engage audiences effectively
Other position details
Expected start date in early November 2026
Full time (40 hrs/week), exempt position
Some evening/weekend hours required
Work is primarily onsite with some remote flexibility
Salary range is $90,000- $100,000/year, commensurate with experience
Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered
Flexible PTO policy
To apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter via this Google Form.
Or else please email your resume and cover letter to: admin@genspace.org