Technical Director, School of Medicine-SSLI Research Laboratories
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Education
Posted on April 17, 2024
Summary:
The Stravitz‐Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health (SSLI) is recruiting a central Technical Director for their growing laboratory-based shared research services. This position will report to the Chief Scientific Officer and be a central connector and liaison within the core laboratory structure of the SSLI. The Technical Director will work collaboratively with faculty and alongside other research directors of the SSLI research laboratories to ensure objectives are met in a quality manner, and plays a critical role in ensuring smooth laboratory operations, research project support, and scientific rigor. We are looking for someone with significant progressive experience working in and managing a scientific research laboratory within an academic medical center, preferably with expertise in GI/liver-related lab and animal research. The candidate should have research project management experience, experience with training and supervising technician personnel, be able to provide guidance and expertise in experimental design, methodology development and data analysis, and implementing laboratory best practices. Robust experience in budget and resource allocation, equipment management and procurement is critical to ensure effective coordination amongst the SSLI research laboratories.
Core Responsibilities:
The candidate must have demonstrated ability to maneuver and effectively collaborate within a team science environment and be able to take a leadership role in supervising the training of technicians and other laboratory personnel concerning proper laboratory techniques, the use of laboratory equipment, and safety procedures.
Research project management: Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of research projects (human and animal) –
-Coordinate with cross-functional teams of principal investigators, research scientists, and other research personnel to ensure projects are progressing according to plan and meeting objectives.
-Assist Liver Institute research faculty in generating and/or developing methods for grant application upon clearance by the SSLI research leadership.
-Work with other SSLI research leadership on broad strategic initiatives the involve SSLI research laboratories, creating project plans and timelines to ensure timely execution.
Laboratory Operations and Technical Administration:
-Budget and resource management: works in close collaboration with the SSLI Chief Operating/ Scientific Officers and Finance Manager on budget management and proper project allocation for equipment, supplies, and services procurement. May also be involved in recharge center and grant budget development.
-Equipment and inventory management: responsible for maintaining and calibrating laboratory equipment, as well as managing inventory and supplies necessary for shared laboratory operations.
-Act as key point of contact and transfer facilitator for new SSLI research faculty hires with a laboratory footprint. This may include, but not be limited to, taking the lead to ensure appropriate transfer agreements and animal research protocols are in place to minimize timelines and transition disruption.
-Join appropriate committees as directed by the Chief Scientific Officer or Director of the liver institute to enhance the functions of the institute and its role within the VCU ecosystem.
Policies and procedures –
-Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for shared laboratory processes, ensuring consistency and adherence to best practices.
Quality control and assurance, regulatory compliance –
-Responsible for ensuring laboratory operates in accordance with all applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines, such as those set by regulatory bodies or accrediting agencies.
-Monitor and evaluate testing procedures, equipment performance, and proficiency testing
-Work in collaboration with other SSLI research laboratory Directors to review workflow and process to ensure optimal delivery
Research Biorepository Collaboration –
-Support SSLI Research Lab Directors to ensure continued biorepository growth and success, may include biospecimen receipt, processing, and inventory management, as needed.
Minimum Hiring Standards:
-Masters of Science in a basic medical sciences discipline
-MBA or demonstrated business acumen required.
-PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a significant plus.
-Significant experience in laboratory management within an academic health center.
-Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
Position is Open Until Filled
ORP Eligible: YES
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU's sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays, and more. Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/
Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.
Please note that if you are employed as a university employee working in any of the health system's facilities, you will need to follow VCU Health System policies, which will include but will not be limited to, vaccination requirements. The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
UNIVERSITY JOB CODE: Senior Scientist RS 1-3 (33244Y-33246Y)
Salary Range: $95,000-$110,000
Position Details:
Department: Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease/1588
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Exempt
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Demetria Patterson
Contact Email: demetria.patterson1@vcuhealth.org
Contact Phone:
