Associate Director, Histopathology Sciences

Associate Director, Histopathology Sciences

The Histopathology Sciences (HPS) Associate Director manages a multi-user, multi-core facility that includes, but is not limited to, Clinical Chemistry, Electron Microscopy, Histology and Research Necropsy Services.  This includes oversight of ~$3.0MM combined operating, R&D and capital budgets. The HPS Associate Director oversees several direct reports in all component areas, including individual core managers and supervisors and/or senior technologists.  Clinical Chemistry, Histology, Electron Microscopy and Research Necropsy Service directly support multiple programs at all five JAX campuses, including research, production and diagnostic/pathology functions. Fulfilling these responsibilities requires extensive knowledge of multiple phenotyping technologies, including microscopy, sample handling/processing and the command of basic research principles as well as good leadership, management and communication skills. Oversight of this group includes staff management and guiding service development and process improvement as well as forecasting and budgeting. Added administrative responsibilities may include metric development and monitoring as well as grant applications and related reporting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Managing Operations - Overseeing operational management of cores including:
  • Develop/establish major schedules, project management assignments and the allocation of manpower, space and equipment to ensure departmental commitments are met in compliance with institutional standards of operation and safety. Oversee instrument and facility operations and maintenance. Facilitate troubleshooting in a timely manner. Ensure services are delivered within reasonable and established turn-around times.
  • Manage direct reporting staff and activity; ensure best practices are followed by core supervisors and their direct reports. Assess employee performance including written reviews, assuring technical growth and competence through goal setting and facilitated training. Recruit and train new personnel as needed.
  • Establish and ensure service QC . Monitor adherence to department and institutional policy; assure SOPs and best practices are identified, incorporated and followed as part of service routine. 

• Administrative Duties- Responsible for administrative aspects of service operations including:
  • Responsibility for the cores’ operating and capital budgets, space, technology and service expansion planning.
  • Develop operating and capital budgets, operate facility within budget, overseeing subsequent management for all reporting areas; provide forecasting; participate in costing.
  • Oversee or directly deliver activity tracking and billing activities - assuring that all required records are maintained and all billing is completed in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Participate in grant writing as required; responsible for grant reporting when applicable.
  • Serve on institutional committees as needed.
  • Participate in departmental planning and development.

• User Relations and Communications- This position reports to the Executive Director of Scientific Services with input from Faculty and other major users (i.e. Pathology, Preclinical Services).  Regular communication with these parties is indispensable as they provide guidance, direction and evaluation.  In addition, the HPS Associate Director will:
  • Host Scientific Services Interest Group meetings or meet with users as needed and/or required.
  • Troubleshoot specific user needs.
  • Survey user(s) to assess satisfaction and changing needs.
  • Effectively communicate with scientists in protocol development & data interpretation.
  • Consult with users on experiment design and materials & methods optimization.
  • Other duties as assigned.  The HPS Associate Director interacts with an extensive array of internal and external contacts; this individual may provide tours, training and other types of information to visitors such as students, visting faculty and other groups as needed.

• Service Delivery and Core Expertise- As the subject matter expert in one or more cores, the HPS Associate Director delivers state-of-the-art services and other deliverables as needed or based on availability.  The Associate Director will:
  • Maintain current understanding of routine and specialized practices in their field of expertise; evaluate new technology, advances and equipment.
  • Be involved in designing and carrying out experimental protocols for users, operating, maintaining and keeping the facility operating at an efficient and high level of productivity. Collaborate and/or assist an array of researchers with their projects; assist faculty, research support staff and students by assisting and training them as needed.
  • The Associate Director maintains professional certifications and/or membership in professional organizations, attends professional external meetings and applies information from those meetings to the facility operations as warranted.

KEY METRICS

Management – Cores are operated efficiently in compliance with all SOPs and safety protocols.  Cores have appropriate staff, resources and equipment to deliver top quality services to users.  Core personnel are tasked appropriately and provided with training and opportunity to grow in their positions. 

• Administration – All budgets are prepared and submitted on time; the cores are operated within budget.  Accurate records are maintained and billing is carried out regularly. Reports, grants and other documents (i.e. job descriptions, performance reviews, SOPs) are prepared and submitted on time.  Plans for development, expansion, succession, etc. are in place and updated.
• User Relations and Communications – Users receive regular communications from the HPS Associate Director and can request new services, participate in HPS development and/or provide feedback regarding HPS services.
• Service Delivery and Core Expertise - As time permits, service to users for specific projects or service development, such as introducing new technology or methodology, is provided.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires technical proficiency achieved through a Master’s Degree in a scientific field (i.e. biology, chemistry, biotechnology) and minimum of 5 years of research experience in the same technical area, including 3 years management/supervisory  experience OR a Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific field (i.e. biology, chemistry, biotechnology), demonstrating technical expertise within that field in addition to a Master’s Degree in Business Administration plus a minimum of 5 years of research experience in the same technical area, including 3 years management/supervisory  experience.
• The HPS Associate Director must have a professional approach with exceptional verbal and written communication skills. The Associate Director must thrive in a constantly changing environment and enjoy working with a diverse client base; this position requires excellent interpersonal skills to work with a variety of individuals, including technical and non-technical personnel, faculty and other service users. Must provide a flexible interface in a customer needs-driven role.
• Must be experienced in budget development, planning, forecasting and grant writing. Excellent math and written skills are required. Advanced facility with computer applications/tools is essential; familiarity with LIMS applications and implementation is preferred.
• Must have had prior personnel management experience including tasking, evaluation, skill building, and training and general performance management. Should be able to critically evaluate technical work products of others and identify and address process improvement opportunities. Must be an effective team builder.
• Self-motivated, independent, patient and disciplined with a desire to facilitate access to core services is necessary.

Pay Range: $113,718 - $190,388 per year, dependent upon experience.

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and 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.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org​​​​​​​.

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.