We are seeking a Dynamic Director with experience in creating advanced genetically modified in vivo models to lead and direct the transgenesis shared resource (Neuroembryology Laboratory, NEL) in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology.

The selected candidate will lead a team of scientists supporting research for ~15 research laboratories in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology (DNB) and their collaborators at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You will work with staff to create clearly defined roles that inspire engaged employees and allow career advancement for staff. To maintain an innovative research facility, you will maintain extensive and up-to-date knowledge of transgenic technologies and emerging applications. In this role, you will employ and maintain effective communication with investigators, NEL staff, and other personnel involved in NEL projects and activities such as our Center for Advanced Genome Engineering. You will implement systems to routinely assess quality, consistency, and opportunities for innovation. You will advise and interact with faculty and other research staff on the management, design, technical needs, and execution of projects served by the NEL. You will oversee operations and develop annual budgets and recommendations for future capital acquisitions and expansion. The NEL is fully supported by institutional funds and does not have chargebacks.

The NEL generates an average of 20 models a year of varying complexity and in different strains and species - including transgenic models via DNA injection and gene-edited models using CRISPR/Cas9, AAV and i-GONAD methods to create gene knockout, single point mutations, conditional alleles, gene knock-in or large genomic deletions. Other services include validation of neural Cre-drivers, developmental neuroanatomical support, embryo staging, microdissection, IVF and ES cell injection.

Preferred skills and experience:

Expertise and training in genetics, molecular biology, and transgenic in vivo technology.
Track record of success in creating transgenic pre-clinical models and applying transgenic technologies.
Proven record of accomplishment in managing highly experienced professional staff members and championing their efforts.
Knowledge of and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Exceptional communication skills.
Excellent service skills – working with users within the institution.
Ability to implement systematic and rigorous quality control systems to ensure excellence.
Ability to manage requests and output while also consulting with other investigators to understand their needs, find applicable solutions, and build relationships.
Ability to innovate and be forward-thinking.
Ability to network beyond St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH) to keep NEL abreast of technical innovations and aid troubleshooting.
Ability to create and promote a positive team environment conducive to end-user satisfaction.
Excellent skills as a capable problem solver who applies sensible approaches that reflect an understanding of all relevant factors and demonstrates anticipation of consequences in arriving at conclusions or decisions.
Experience in exercising adaptability and flexibility to change behaviors and plans to meet rapidly changing/competing job demands. Revises plans to meet changing circumstances.
Ability to organize work and use time efficiently and recommend innovative ways of working more efficiently and effectively.
Skill in employing leadership qualities and personal actions that demonstrate ethical values, build trust, and positively influence the decisions and actions of others.

Job Responsibilities:

Manages day-to-day activities of the NEL and its staff.
Supervises laboratory staff.
Supervises performance of laboratory activities.
Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
Attends department/ institute-specific program meetings and retreats to ensure members are well informed about services offered and learn the needs of members across the institution.

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we know what can be achieved when the brightest scientific minds face the fewest barriers. That is why we provide world-class facilities, state-of-the-art technologies, and extraordinary support for your research to ensure scientific progress is never halted by a lack of resources. At St. Jude, you will be part of a collaborative, bench-to-bedside environment where you can see, firsthand, how your science translates into survival for the children we serve. The NEL is staffed by two excellent full-time employees with decades of experience in the field. The resource is equipped with three injection rigs, two stereoscopes for embryo isolation and transfer, a MINC incubator, a NEPA21 electroporator with slide chambers and cuvette options, and a micro-ePore cell penetrator. The NEL also has a conventional wet lab in a new state-of-the-art research facility. The NEL also works closely with the Center for Advanced Genome Engineering in design and validation of CRISPR/Cas reagents, the Vector Development and Production Laboratory for AAV generation and the DNB Imaging Core for microscopy-based analyses.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

Bachelor's degree is required.

Minimum Experience:

10+ years of experience in relevant technical field (industry or academia) is required.
8+ years of experience in relevant technical field is required with a Master’s degree.
5+ years of experience in relevant technical field is required with a PhD.
Significant experience in a research functional area with experience managing mid-large teams in a leadership capacity with a focus on both achievement of objectives as well as critical skill-building preferred.
Experience having led large-scale projects/processes through to implementation preferred.
Experience with operational mgmt., budget planning, & stakeholder and resource management preferred.
Prior experience in building external connections with peers, emerging technology communities, and expert networks preferred.
Experience driving research objectives across areas through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders preferred.
Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role.

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $125,840 - $238,160 per year for the role of Director - Departmental Transgenesis Shared Resource (Neuroembryology Lab).

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Director - Departmental Transgenesis Shared Resource (Neuroembryology Lab)