Senior Director, Technology Innovation

About the Technology Innovation Lab

The Technology Innovation Lab at the New York Genome Center (NYGC) is a dedicated incubator for the development and early-stage evaluation of new genomics tools and methodologies. It serves as a creative hub for generating new technologies, protocol development, equipment evaluation and informatics tool development/integration. Although the focus of the lab is constantly evolving due to the fast-paced advancement of genomic technologies, it is committed to developing technologies with the potential to advance research for the wider scientific community, including the recent advancements listed below.

A few examples of current and past areas of research include:

ASAP-seq, ATAC with Select Antigen Profiling by sequencing, a tool to simultaneously profile accessible chromatin and protein levels in thousands of single cells.

ECCITE-seq, Expanded CRISPR-compatible CITE-seq.

Cell Hashing, a method that enables sample multiplexing and super-loading on single cell RNA-sequencing platforms.

CITE-seq, Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing, is a multimodal single cell phenotyping method.

miniDrops is a 3D printed, low-cost, small-footprint microfluidic controller most suitable for droplet microfluidics.

To view the full archive of publications for the lab, please click here.

Position Description

The Senior Director of this group will pioneer the development of innovative genomics science through a systematic program of solving real-world innovation challenges while simultaneously conducting rigorous scientific research and analysis. This is a central and critical role to NYGC. This position will supervise a diverse, interdisciplinary team of PhD-level molecular biologists and engineers and will closely collaborate with other departments, including faculty labs, production and methods development, business development, legal, and communications. This position reports to the Senior Scientific Director of Cancer Genomics and will work closely with the Scientific Director & CEO. 

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee new research initiatives and development projects, such as efforts in multimodal single cell and tissue profiling, liquid biopsy and new functional genomics technologies; 
• Identify unmet needs in the genome technology space and work with the Innovation team, NYGC staff, faculty and external collaborators to develop technologies to address them; 
• Identify and apply for funding from a variety of sources to fund research activities;
• Effectively communicate the work of the team and the broader mission of NYGC to a wide variety of internal and external audiences, including academic scientists, industry, philanthropy and the general public;
• Independently develop and prioritize new collaborations with labs (NYGC and external) and business partners / licensees;
• Actively license IP. Work with Leadership, NYGC Legal, outside counsel and business development regarding IP strategy and submissions;
• Maintain significant knowledge of current, relevant scientific literature, and communicate key developments to other lab members and NYGC leadership;
• Publish and present current research;
• Develop the Innovation team’s annual goals and budget;
• Lead the team’s lab meetings, sharing and improving the knowledge of the team;
• Provide leadership and people management to the Innovation team, including mentoring, coaching, training, and developing team members;
• Work closely with the SVP, Genome Technologies and the Methods Development team to refine methods into routine and/or production-scale assays; and,
• Other activities, as needed.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A PhD or equivalent in genomics, genetics, molecular biology, engineering or similar discipline with extensive (10+ years) post-PhD experience in relevant field;
• Strong interdisciplinary scientific background, specializing in molecular biology and biochemistry with a strong background in technology and engineering; 
• Demonstrated track record of research excellence with career-stage appropriate publication record;
• Demonstrated scientific management experience, including experience managing PhD level scientists and a strong track record in building successful teams/ventures;
• A record of devising new solutions to complex problems;
• Ability to collaborate closely with interdisciplinary individuals from a broad range of backgrounds;
• Ability to work successfully in a highly matrixed, fast-paced environment; 
• Ability to drive and manage change; 
• Strong budgeting and financial management skills (grant experience required); and,
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

Competencies

•  Technical & Professional Skills: Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant for current role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations and delivers on commitments.
•  Collaborative & Communicative: Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good judgment as to what to communicate and when to do so.
•  Adaptable & Innovative: Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion and curiosity.
•  Leader & Manager: Attracts, develops and retains diverse talent to achieve outstanding results; encourages professional development, coaches and regularly communicates expectations and feedback; aligns and inspires efforts toward our mission; translates organizational vision into action; responsibly utilizes NYGC’s human and financial resources to ensure organizational and financial health; uses good judgment when making decisions; pushes boundaries and generates new ideas.

About the New York Genome Center

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit, academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic research. NYGC scientists and staff are furthering new approaches to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer through their unique capabilities in whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, state-of-the art analytics, and the development of genomic tools. NYGCconcentrates specifically on disease-based research in the following areas: neuropsychiatric disease (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar); neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s), and cancer.

Located in Lower Manhattan, the New York Genome Center was founded by and remains closely affiliated with twelve leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region and beyond, engaging in research projects with and for these institutions. Essential to our collaborative work is an outstanding faculty, whose members typically hold a joint appointment at NYGC and a partner university. They support our scientific mission by conducting independent research in areas of mutual interest to us and the wider scientific community.

Equal Opportunity

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the core mission at the NYGC. We strive to create a workplace environment that is welcoming and fair to all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, or religion. We believe that when people of various backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives work together in an inclusive and equitable environment we gain new and valuable perspectives that otherwise would have been missed. Valuing and supporting all NYGC employees as individuals while helping them realize their full potential is critical to promoting greater collaboration, innovation, and discovery – fostering a sense of belonging for our greatest strength, our people. We recognize that there is still work to be done that will require sustained commitment from the entire organization.

The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The New York Genome Center takes affirmative action in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. 

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FLSA Status – Exempt 

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.