DESCRIPTION

The mission of the Center for Epigenomics at UC San Diego is to develop a quantitative and molecular framework to study the function and regulation of the human genome, with the goal to understand the molecular basis of cancer and other human diseases. Epigenomics is at the forefront of Precision Medicine. The epigenome, a term referring to the state of DNA methylation and the covalent modifications of histone proteins in a cell, plays a central role in regulating the functional output of the genome during development. Changes in the epigenome that result from exposure to stress, pathogenic conditions, and aging can determine the patterns of gene expression and predispose an individual to diseases. Epigenome research promises to significantly improve our understanding of the factors that drive human development and disease. The UCSD Center for Epigenomics works with researchers on the UCSD campus and beyond to foster the application of epigenomic concepts and technologies to clinical, translational, and basic research.

The Assistant Director is a mission critical role for achieving the main objectives of the UCSD Center for Epigenomics. To accomplish center-wide goals, the Assistant Director will play multiple roles including but not limited to: 1) developing and managing a diverse portfolio of laboratory service and collaborative projects; 2) acting as a functional manager and scientific advisor to multiple medium and large scale collaborations as part of large scale research consortia; 3) acting as representative and advocate for the center by contributing to scientific outreach, publications, and funding applications.

The Assistant Director will serve alongside the associate director in short- and long-term strategic planning aimed at driving the development and management of diverse collaborative projects between the center and investigators within and outside of UCSD. The Assistant Director will work directly with the director, associate director, collaborators, and service clients to identify impactful scientific questions, develop innovative projects, design prioritized project strategies, establish timelines, and budget, and ensure that project goals and key decision points are met. The assistant director will fulfill these responsibilities by leveraging prior experience integrating epigenomics with other basic science fields as well as their experience navigating multi-investigator/institute collaborations. The assistant director will act as a primary point person for the center and facilitate effective information flow by coordinating transparent communication between all involved parties.

In addition, the assistant director will serve as a liaison between collaborators and the Center research staff by acting as an operational manager and scientific advisor. The assistant director will make use of prior team management and practical wet bench and bioinformatics experience to assist the associate director in developing and executing specific strategies to directly address project goals, meet long and short-term goals, manage and provide oversight to the center staff to meet project timelines/milestones, create best practices, facilitate related issue resolution, and maintain clear lines of communication.

Lastly, the assistant director will act as representative and advocate for the UCSD Center for Epigenomics to maintain and expand the center’s capacity to achieve its core objectives. The Assistant Director will fulfill this important responsibility by working with the Center leadership team to reach out to UCSD and the greater scientific community to expand the center’s academic and industry collaborations. Importantly, the assistant director will exploit their experience in scientific writing and communication to drive all phases of manuscript publication and grant application ensuring the center’s as well as UCSD’s continued reputation as a world class leader in epigenomics.

Administers all finance, human resources and facilities and other operational activities for small to mid-sized academic or research program. Administers major program components, and some or all of the program's operational requirements. Develops and organizes conferences and other public forums. Works under direction of Principal Investigator or more senior Academic Program Officer to establish center agenda, funding, objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Nine (9) years of related experience, education/training, OR an advanced degree in related area plus three (3) years of related experience/training.

• Academic background and experience in selected area of research preferred. Advanced theoretical knowledge and/or Ph.D. in biological sciences, molecular biology, medical science or related discipline with experience in project or program management in research.

• Thorough knowledge of administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices.

• Strong oral and written communication skills. Excellent scientific writing and editing skills.

• Strong ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills.

• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results. Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and with sensitivity with research staff, and faculty investigators.

• Ability to manage research projects and proven ability to make contributions to research projects at a conceptual level as well as research design and methodology.

• Exhibited skills related to the project manager position such as translating complex biological questions into a prioritized project strategy with achievable scientific goals, timelines, milestones, and budget.Experience generating and analyzing project timelines, resources, and budget information.

• Ability to translate scientific goals into executable experimental plans while understanding technical risks, mitigations and alternatives.

• Ability to approach complex scientific and technical problems effectively and efficiently though thoughtful and innovative experimental design.

• Experience with large complex genomics data sets.

• Hands-on experience with genomic assays such as ChIP-­seq, and RNA­-seq.

• Strong leadership skills including meeting facilitation, cross-functional team integration, strategic thinking and advising. Must be able to create an environment for collaborative work necessary for the team to be effective.

• Experience with communicating the status and content of technical projects to abroad variety of people in written form, in person, on the telephone and e-mail. Presentation skills appropriate to persuasive communications with a very high-level technical audience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Track record of scientific excellence integrating epigenomics with other basic biology fields such as stem cell biology or human disease.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Irregular hours or on weekends/holidays as required. Willing to work in an environment with biological, chemical and radiological hazards, and with human Embryonic Stem Cells and animal models.
• Occasional travel.