Associate Director

Department
 

BSD SRF - Functional Genomics: Next GEN

About the Department
 

The Genomics Facility provides access to advanced genomics technologies to University of Chicago researchers. These technologies include Single-Cell Genomics, Spatial Transcriptomics, Next-Generation Sequencing, Micro-arrays, Sanger Sequencing as well as general nucleic acid sample QC and processing. The Facility is well-supported by the Dean’s office and fulfills an essential role in the continued academic success of the University of Chicago.

Job Summary
 

The job manages scientific research projects or scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences.
The University of Chicago Genomics Facility is currently looking for a talented individual to function as the Associate Technical Director. This newly created position will bear the responsibility of overseeing (directly or over time), with limited guidance, Facility operations related to data production using the Facility’s Illumina Sequencing equipment as well as the Facility’s general nucleic acid QC operation. The Associate Technical Director will report to the Genomics Facility Technical Director and as such, will support the Technical Director on initiatives for improvement of Genomics Facility operations as appropriate.
The University of Chicago Genomics Facility operates Next Generation Illumina Sequencing equipment (NovaSEQ, NextSEQ and MiSEQ) as well as general nucleic acid QC equipment (Bio-analyzer/Fragment-analyzer and more) to facilitate and advance Genomics research on campus. The Associate Director position is intended as a technical expert leader with overall responsibility for the managing the flow of samples through both the Illumina-based sequencing pipeline and the nucleic acid QC pipeline. The Associate Director will be/become responsible for the supervision of Genomics Facility Staff assigned to these pipelines.

Responsibilities

(90%) Illumina NGS and nucleic acid QC Management and Operation

• Ensure that Institutional and Facility resources are used optimally through managing all aspects of operating the Illumina Sequencing and general nucleic acid QC equipment, including maintenance of equipment and effective planning of the use of operational equipment.

• Effectively communicate with Facility end-users regarding the progress of projects through the Facility. Ensure Facility time lines are maintained and that benchmarks and milestones are met.

• Serve as the in-house Facility knowledge resource with regards to operating all equipment relevant to this position. Train and assign work to new and continuing employees.

• Enter finished project billing data in the University of Chicago Core Facility billing system on a daily basis.

• As needed, participate at the bench level in moving Sequencing/QC projects through the established operational pipe-lines of the Facility.

• Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.

(10%) Research Support

• Keep up to date with Illumina-based NGS technologies by review of relevant literature and other means. In conjunction with Facility Technical Director pursue and optimize new protocols to improve the Facility’s standard operating procedures.

• Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• MS or PhD in cellular biology, genetics, physics, chemistry, or biochemistry or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• Prior experience in a Genomics Facility or similar setting in academia or industry, however all levels of experience will be considered.

Preferred Competencies

• Capability to plan and (hands-on) execute the production of NGS data on Illumina Sequencing equipment.

• Ability to manage staff in accomplishing goals and objectives, and to maintain Facility activities with respect to established operational procedures.

• Excellent verbal/written communication skills in working with a diverse group of end-users and vendors.

• Summarize detailed issues in a concise and structured manner, combined with creative scientific and technological problem solving skills.

• Desire and ability to interact with all staff levels in a professional manner while respecting confidentiality.

• Detail oriented with strong sense of work ownership.

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• Three Science/Supervisor Reference Contact Information (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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