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Associate Director for Laboratory Science (Surgical Critical Care Initiative)

Employer
The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
Location
Bethesda, Maryland
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Jun 12, 2019

View more

Discipline
Life Sciences, Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology
Position Type
Full Time
Organization Type
Non-Profit

Job Title: Associate Director for Laboratory Science

Job ID: 214706

To Apply: https://careers.hjf.org/jobs/3818518-associate-director-for-laboratory-science-surgical-critical-care-initiative

HJF is seeking an Associate Director for Laboratory Science to support The Surgical Critical Care Initiative (SC2i) under the Department of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) & the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Maryland. HJF provides scientific, technical and programmatic support services to SC2i. 

The successful applicant will have PhD-level training and must possess a solid proficient understanding of the scientific mechanisms and experimental techniques in designing and executing projects relating to multiplex immunoassay methods (Luminex, ELISA, Protein Microarrays, ELIspot), molecular based assays (qRT-PCR, ELISA, mRNA isolation and quantification, gene expression microarrays), flow cytometry, cell surface marker staining, quantitative bacteriology, cell culture and other basic cellular and molecular biology. Experience with multiplex cytokine methods such as Luminex, biomarker, immuno- and enzymatic assays, protein-protein interaction studies and method/assay validation studies is strongly preferred. The Associate Director for Laboratory Science is responsible for the hands-on overall operation of the moderate to high complexity research laboratory. This includes but not limited to: performing laboratory testing; performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of equipment; developing quality control procedures; and is responsible for the validity of test results. He or she also will develop, qualify, and validate moderate to high complexity assays according to prescribed and emerging protocols/technologies that are intended to be translated to clinical diagnostics. Experience working in a GCP/GLP environment, QC/QA validation, and involvement with FDA submissions is desired but not required. 

Responsibilities:

  1. Serve as a scientific lead on SC2i Project Teams, providing expertise regarding strategic and operational direction for a wide range of projects. 
  2. Required to possess a strong working understanding of the science behind ongoing experiments: rationale, purpose, research strategy-experimental design, methodology, analytical methodologies troubleshooting and result interpretation. 
  3. Works collaboratively with other SC2i multidisciplinary team members. Participation in team meetings by presenting data and providing interpretation of experimental results. 
  4. The incumbent will oversee the day-to-day functions of the SC2i Clinical Core Laboratory, a molecular biology/immunology laboratory. He/she will be responsible for both the scientific management and administrative activities, prioritization of workload, oversight of experimental execution, troubleshooting, validation of data analysis/interpretation, maintaining records of test, report writing and meeting project milestones.
  5. Provides strategic and operation direction ensuring studies are conducted in line with appropriate SOPs, GLP standards and other guidelines.
  6. Develop, design and execute proteomic, molecular and cellular protocols to support SC2i preclinical projects.
  7. Establishes and maintains QC, QA, and proficiency test documentation.
  8. Analyze research progress, engage in critical thinking, and assert strong problem solving toward streamlining delivery of key data and interpretations. 
  9. Oversee the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) and safety records with federal and institutional guidelines.
  10. Responsible for the overall scientific management, operation and administration of the GLP laboratory, including supervision and the maintenance of a rigorous training program for new and current laboratory personnel.
  11. Performs primary data quality evaluation and reviews variant results. Establishes and maintains QC, QA, and proficiency test documentation.
  12. Maintain and provide project documentation in accordance with internal/external requirements. 
  13. Critically evaluates, analyzes and interprets data and presents in a clear, well-organized, scientifically sound reports. Disseminate results of research efforts through formal reports, attendance at national and international scientific meetings and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  14. Critically document, analyze, interpret, troubleshoot and communicate results and progress for management review in addition to diverse scientific audiences.
  15. Develop solutions to address project requirements.
  16. Act as a key liaison between various project teams/external partners and governance bodies. 
  17. Keep abreast of project related research findings in the scientific literature as well state-of-the art/cutting-edge diagnostic/biomarker discovery technology platforms which may have project applicability. .  
  18. Maintain SOPs, team meeting notes/agenda and project presentation documentation.
  19. Participate in Departmental Leadership and team meetings.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities: 

  • Must be competent in the areas of laboratory management, general laboratory systems, analytic systems, and proficiency testing. 
  • Proven experience serving in a supervisor role and leading scientific teams.
  • Outstanding skills with project planning, experimental design, oversight and advanced troubleshooting related to execution of projects, documenting and analyzing data and generating detailed reports 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work under pressure and multitask 
  • Design and perform experiments, independently and accurately analyze and present data 
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and supervise technical staff 
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills 
  • Ability to organize and analyze data, as well as, prepare reports 
  • Possess strong computational skills, preferably experienced with Word, Excel and Power Point 
  • Ability to take direction well, multitask, organize and coordinate diverse activities in a fast paced, dynamic, multidisciplinary team-highly-matrixed work environment. High attention to detail required and must be able to work across multidisciplinary project teams. 
  • Proven skills in immunoassay, biochemical and molecular assay design and development. 
  • Strong experience/expertise in multianalytic proteomic profiling, qRT-PCR, ELISA, mRNA isolation and quantification, gene expression microarrays, flow cytometry, cell surface marker staining, cell culture and other basic cellular and molecular biology techniques.
  • Strong knowledge base and experience in writing and reviewing SOPs, GLP / GCLP, CLIA as well as other standard research and clinical laboratory practices. Experience in QC/QA a plus.
  • Must be self-motivated, organized and possess critical thinking and communications skills for advanced problem solving.  

Minimum Education: The incumbent must possess a Ph.D. degree conferred in the field of Biology, Microbiology, Molecular biology or related field.  

Minimum Experience/ Training Requirements:  6 to 10 years related research experience. In addition, the incumbent must have at least four to six years of highly productive bench-related postdoctoral experience in a molecular biology/immunology laboratory reflected by a significant number of scientific publications in critically reviewed scientific journals as appropriate to his/her research.

Physical Capabilities: The incumbent may be required to stand or sit for long periods of time or bend from a standing position. The incumbent will need to possess excellent hand-eye coordination and be able to carry light to moderate laboratory equipment while walking.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: The incumbent will oversee the day-by-day activities of clinical research assistants, technicians and possible postdoctoral and graduate level or summer students. The incumbent will train junior personnel in the safe conduct of laboratory practices and procedures.

Work Environment: Molecular biology laboratory, large and small animal laboratory.

Background/Security: US Citizenship required; eligibility to obtain and hold Department of Defense issued Secret Clearance.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, addresses, education, and credentials, a criminal background check, drug screening, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check.  

HJF is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Job Title: Associate Director for Laboratory Science

Job ID: 214706

To Apply: https://careers.hjf.org/jobs/3818518-associate-director-for-laboratory-science-surgical-critical-care-initiative

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