Assistant Director, Genomics Facility, Biotechnology Resource Center (BRC)

Assistant Director, Genomics Facility, Biotechnology Resource Center (BRC)

Senior Research Associate

Research and Innovation

The Biotechnology Resource Center (BRC) Genomics Facility provides critical infrastructure for Cornell faculty and researchers, both in regards to services provided and scientific consultation and training. This position assists with leadership of all aspects of a large-scale, Genomics service facility operation. The Genomics Facility provides expertise and services in sequencing technologies and project-based genomics services, as well as access to a portfolio of shared instruments. Current sequencing technologies include Sanger, Illumina, and Oxford Nanopore platforms and current project-based services include whole-genome and other DNA sequencing and RNA profiling applications, including high throughput and single-cell formats. The position also supports collaborations with the other BRC facilities. The assistant director is responsible for managing a wide scope of genomics sequencing and services, including helping to anticipate, assess, and implement new services as technologies emerge. Facility operations include approximately 10 academic and non-academic staff positions, and an operating budget of approximately $2.7 million dollars. The assistant director is expected to support grant applications to further development of genomics technologies and services, collaborate with PIs and researchers on genomics research as the technology expert, and participate in academic conferences and publications.

This role requires an intellectually independent, highly organized, detail-oriented scientist who enjoys multi-tasking to manage internal workflows and provide technological consulting for customers.

Major Responsibilities:

• Oversee all services provided by the Genomics Facility, particularly genomics applications (e.g. whole genome sequencing, gene expression profiling) requiring complicated workflows.
• Provide high-level customer relations including research project consultation and collaboration, scientific workshops on current topics, and early intervention with customer concerns.
• Manage projects utilizing complex workflows within the Genomics Facility from start to finish, including lab planning and scheduling, quality assessment, and customer interactions.
• Review and update descriptions of Genomics Facility services and sample requirements, including public information and project-specific details, on BRC web sites and associated documents (protocols, guides, order confirmations).
• Assist with the development and implementation of innovative workflows and service solutions to extend and improve services provided by the Genomics Facility, including laboratory protocols, quality checks, and LIMS support.
• Assist with writing grants to expand services and support for genomics technologies including major instrumentation and other research funding.
• Assist with leadership for the Genomics Facility, including hiring and supervision of staff overseeing genomic applications, technologies, services, and instrumentation.
• Assist with service facility fee development for large, highly complex genomics operation. This requires fiscal management, service and financial forecasting (short-range and long-term), and extensive knowledge of emerging technologies and research needs.

Educational and Experience Requirements:

• Ph.D in molecular biology or related discipline with extensive background in genomics and next-generation sequencing technologies.
• Proven ability to design and execute the full experimental cycle for a variety of genomics applications.
• Strong technical, research, communication, customer service, and supervisory skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion values of Cornell University.

This position is a three-year term appointment with the possibility of extension contingent upon continued funding.

The successful candidate is expected to start in early 2025.

About Us:

The Biotechnology Resource Center (BRC) is a dynamic hub for life sciences research at Cornell University. The BRC offers shared biotechnology facilities to catalyze and promote life sciences research, and is involved with many intercampus initiatives and multi-institutional collaborations. In addition to Genomics, the BRC includes facility operations in Epigenomics, Flow Cytometry, Bioinformatics, Imaging, Proteomics, and Metabolomics. With its extensive network of academic, federal, not-for-profit enterprises and commercial partners, the BRC serves as a vital partner in life sciences research and innovation.

BRC staff enjoy working in a collaborative and innovative organization within Cornell University, an award-winning employer recognized for supporting employee health, workplace diversity, work-life fit, and environmental sustainability. Cornell University offers competitive compensation and benefits. The Institute is located on the main Ithaca campus, in the heart of the Finger Lakes of central New York State. Ithaca and the surrounding area is noted for high quality of living surrounded by natural beauty and a vibrant community.

Priority consideration for applications received by December 9.

Pay Range:

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline
• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.