Program Associate, BioQuest

RTW Foundation

New York, NY (On-site/Hybrid)

Role Type: Full-time

About RTW Foundation (RTWF)

RTW Foundation (RTWF) was founded in 2018 as the philanthropic arm of RTW Investments, LP, a biotech investment firm. RTWF has two major focuses: improving health equity in New York City and advancing ultrarare disease research. Our overarching goal is to improve the health of underserved communities, whether that be from historically underinvested communities in New York City, including communities of color and migrant populations, to patients and families facing rare diseases. Central to this mission is our commitment to empowering future innovators in science and medicine.

BioQuest Mentoring Program

BioQuest is RTW Foundation’s STEM mentoring program for middle school, high school, and alumni students, developed in partnership with several external community partners. Through monthly enrichment events, mentorship from RTW professionals, and specialized experiences including the Ambassador program and the Catalyst summer research internship, BioQuest inspires underserved students to explore and pursue careers in science, biotech, and medicine.

Now entering its fourth year, the program is deepening the quality of each of its tracks, and we are seeking a Program Associate to lead the middle school experience. This role is the consistent, trusted presence for a cohort of approximately 50 middle school students, knowing every student by name, tracking their growth, and creating the welcoming environment where a young scientist's journey begins. The Program Associate works closely with the BioQuest Program Manager, partner schools, families, and RTW mentors to deliver high-quality programming in community, and workplace settings.

Key Responsibilities  

Middle School Programming

• Lead and facilitate monthly inquiry-based enrichment events for middle school students, using hands-on activities, discussion, and interactive strategies
• Serve as primary point of contact for middle school students, building meaningful individual relationships across the full cohort
• Track student attendance, engagement, and growth, maintaining a comprehensive view of each student's journey through the program
• Support family engagement through regular communication about upcoming events and student progress
• Join school and family visits alongside the Program Manager to build continuity of relationships
• Support delivery of BioQuest's summer programming, contributing to facilitation, student engagement, and daily operations
• The listed responsibilities are not comprehensive, and additional tasks may be assigned as required

Curriculum & Resource Development

• Co-create the middle school curriculum with the Program Manager, contributing classroom expertise and developmentally appropriate instructional design
• Design engaging, hands-on activities that build science identity and remain accessible to diverse learners
• Contribute to ongoing evaluation and refinement of programming, informing curriculum decisions with evidence from direct student experience

Collaboration & Communication

• Maintain regular communication with the Program Manager regarding program needs, student engagement, and materials
• Work collaboratively across the RTW Foundation team to support a welcoming, inclusive environment for students and families

Requirements

• B.A. required in education, science education, or a related field; advanced training in education or STEM a plus
• 3–5 years of classroom teaching or structured youth education experience, including work with middle school students
• Demonstrated curriculum development experience and knowledge of educational and developmental theory
• Strong facilitation, public speaking, and classroom management skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage event logistics and multiple priorities simultaneously
• A commitment to educational equity and experience serving first-generation, underrepresented, or Title I school communities
• Flexible and able to work well in a team
• Available Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends for community events (for example, our kick-off event and Back to School Fair falls on a Saturday) 
  
  

Other Preferences

• Background in a STEM field (biology, life sciences, or related)
• Research experience (academic, laboratory, or applied)
• Bilingual (Spanish) a plus
• Knowledge of the NYC education landscape and equity challenges

The base salary for this New York-based position ranges from $65,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, skills, and responsibilities. Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and the level at which the role is hired. In addition to the base salary, the role includes a discretionary incentive compensation program, and a full benefits package, including medical and life insurance, retirement plans, tax-free savings options, and access to other healthcare programs.