The Jackson Laboratory is seeking an industry experienced, self-driven and highly motivated neuroscientist to join JAX as a Study Director for pre-clinical in vivo pharmacology services.   The in vivo group works with industry based scientists in their drug development program, by conducting efficacy studies on carefully baselined and validated mouse models for a variety of neurobiology indications including aging, frontotemporal degeneration, ALS, SMA, Rett Syndrome, muscular dystrophies and Alzheimer disease. The Study Director works closely with industry clients on the design and execution of studies,  ensuring  gold-standard scientific procedures, analysis, delivery of data, and final reports.  Study Directors are also responsible for checking  results for accuracy, technical or model-related performance issues, and interpret complex datasets. The successful applicant will develop and manage a scientific team of Project Managers, Research Assistants and Technicians to drive tactical execution on existing therapeutic platforms as well as the validation of new models and protocols.  Expertise in modeling neurodegeneration or muscle diseases in mouse models, developing and using standardized, recognized behavioral protocols to phenotype these models, and performing histological or molecular biology examinations of the CNS and muscle pathologies is required. In addition, the Study Director will ensure accuracy in budgeting, scheduling, and invoicing of the studies. Study Directors are also responsible for depositing normative data from mouse models into the public domain via the JAX databases, publications, and conference presentations, to further the mission of the Jackson Laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific guidance and support to clients meeting or exceeding their expectations for quality of service, scientific expertise  and execution of studies.
• Provide leadership to staff, within your reporting structure or by influence, ensuring they have adequate training and mentoring to support the in vivo services drive for scientific quality and operational efficiency.
• Ensure staff understand and are compliant with all policies, procedures and practices established by the organization thus ensuring the most efficient operation of the laboratory to provide clients with the highest quality scientific service while meeting organizational operations and financial targets.
• Work with colleagues to maintain or establish agreed upon standards for the most frequently run studies. Ensure baseline model performance data (such as disease induction rate, disease progression timeline, etc.) are compiled, submitted to the department Directors and Business Unit Manager, and shared with colleagues.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in life sciences is preferred. MS degree +4 year’s equivalent experience or bachelor’s degree with 8 year’s equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a contract research laboratory, pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, or equivalent experience considered for Study Director level. Senior Study Directors must have at least 2 years’ experience at the Study Director level or equivalent experience where preclinical efficacy testing is the primary focus of the position.
• Experience with in vivo study design and animal research (preferably rodents).
• Knowledge of supervisory processes and techniques of leadership as would normally be acquired through at least 4 years of supervisory or leadership experience is required for Senior Study Directors.
• Excellent management/supervisory skills and proven experience with mentoring direct reports.
• Documented ability to develop and lead technical teams.
• Strong leadership skills including a demonstrated ability to build key relationships, influence and motivate others.
• Demonstrated success in making important decisions, often under some pressure and tight time deadlines, which carry large financial consequences.
• Must have excellent communication and listening, negotiation and relationship skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,400 employees. Headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, it has a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in Augusta, Maine, a genomic medicine institute in Farmington, Connecticut, and facilities in Ellsworth, Maine, Sacramento, California, and Shanghai, China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

JAX employees work in a collaborative, value-driven, and team-based environment where the focus is on advancing science and improving patients’ lives. Researchers apply genetics to increase the understanding of human disease and advance treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging, and heart disease. JAX was voted among the top 15 “Best Places to Work in Academia” in the United States in a poll conducted by The Scientist magazine!

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.