Title: STEM Ambassador
Employee Classification: Student Help Regular
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Center for Mathematics Science and Technology

Job Summary

The Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology (CeMaST) is seeking strong student candidates to become STEM Ambassadors to join their HHMI Success in Science Program.

• STEM Ambassadors are students who work in a team of peers and mentors to be change agents in their chosen STEM discipline.
• STEM Ambassadors will participate in the generation of new knowledge about how the introductory STEM experience at ISU can be made more equitable and inclusive.
• STEM Ambassadors create and implement targeted programs and help to enact institutional change toward just, equitable, and inclusive STEM at ISU.

This position is a collaborative one, where you will be gathering information directly from your STEM peers (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). You will follow a set of research processes to gather information with your team, then develop projects on topics that your team is most passionate about. Ultimately, you will use other student experiences along with your own to make positive institutional change while continuously reflecting on your own experience as a STEM student. This job requires 4–10 hours per week.

STEM Ambassadors must have an interest in evolving STEM disciplines toward more equitable and inclusive practices. STEM Ambassors will also need outstanding speaking and writing skills, and a high level of professionalism for this position.

This is a two-year position, which may be extended to include four consecutive academic years.

Additional Information

The mission of CeMaST is to empower, conduct, and support STEM education and scholarship across the K–16 continuum. CeMaST's Goals are aligned with Illinois State University's strategic plan, Excellence by Design.

Student employees are eligible to participate in the University’s 403(b) Plan. More information can be found here.

Pay Rate

$18.00/hour

Required Qualifications

• Must be majoring in a degree program housed in one of these units: Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Engineering; Geography, Geology, & the Environment; Information Technology; Mathematics; Physics; Technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in STEM and STEM Education
• Strong research skills
• Ability to read, summarize, and synthesize research relevant to teaching and learning
• Proofreading, copyediting, and/or manuscript editing experience

Work Hours

4-10 hours per week between M–F 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; Some evenings and weekends may be required.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
-Effectively communicate on a daily basis.

Proposed Starting Date

August 17, 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume, Cover Letter and Reference List

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

In your cover letter, please address these three questions:
1. Why is equity, diversity, and inclusion important in STEM fields and important to you?
2. What past experiences have prepared you to become a change agent in your STEM discipline?
3. How could you contribute to and benefit from this collaborative research environment?

Failure to address these in your cover letter will result in your application being rejected. Please provide a list of two references who can speak to your interest in fostering equity and inclusion, as well as your reliability and level of engagement.

The priority application deadline is 5/31/2026.

Contact Information for Applicants

Matthew Hagaman
mthagam@ilstu.edu

Ashley Waring-Sparks, PHD
alwarin@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

In addition, all appointments are contingent upon proof of eligibility for employment at Illinois State University to perform the required duties described above on your scheduled start date. The Immigration and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires all new employees to file an I-9 in person and no later than three days from the beginning of employment. This may be accomplished within the department or through Human Resources. A list of the types of documentation you will be expected to provide is available at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents. Failure to comply with this law will result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University, as your employer, is required by federal law to ensure proper tax withholding from wages and to ensure that the required reporting of employee wages, withholding, and employment taxes is accurate. For this reason, every employee must have a valid Social Security Number registered with the University at the time of employment and/or as soon after as possible, but no later than 45 days from the start date. Failure to comply with this law may result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University student employees are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of on-campus employment for all positions held.

International students are restricted by their visa status to no more than 20 hours per week of on-campus employment when the university is in session but may work more when the university is not in session. International students should contact the Office of International Studies and Programs for guidance if they have questions concerning employment restrictions.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.