The Johnston Laboratory (https://johnstonlaboratory.com/) is an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative team of microbiologists, synthetic biologists, bioinformaticians and engineers. The long-term goal of our research is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the capabilities of microbes/microbial communities within tumors, elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving their behavior, and utilize this knowledge to engineer innovative therapeutics and advanced microbe-based technologies for cancer prevention and treatment. To achieve this, we employ cutting-edge bacterial omics techniques (including pangenomics, pan-epigenomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics) to generate hypotheses centered on understanding how specific microbes migrate to, colonize, and persist within human tumors. We then utilize synthetic microbiology principles to develop genetic systems for these tumor-associated microbes, allowing us to experimentally test and refine our hypotheses using in-vitro and pre-clinical models of disease. Moreover, using knowledge gained, we aim to harness the innate abilities of microbes to access recalcitrant areas of the tumor microenvironment and engineer them as effective delivery vehicles for therapeutic payloads (bugs as drugs).

The primary purpose of the Coordinator, Research Laboratory in Genomic Medicine is to work with faculty and Laboratory personnel to coordinate the daily activities in the laboratory and of laboratory personnel. The Coordinator, Research Laboratory, will collaborate with the Principal Investigator (PI) to develop goals and objectives that align with overall organizational strategy. Responsibilities may also include development of policies, procedures and methods; oversight of laboratory staff; management of projects and resources; and act as liaison and point of contact for laboratory. The ideal candidate will be able to independently develop, guide, and complete research projects as well as train/supervise junior scientists and visiting scholars on laboratory and techniques. In addition to managing laboratory operations, suitable candidates may also assist with animal colony administration / maintenance.

KEY FUNCTIONS

· Supervise laboratory staff and researchers at all levels to include facilitation of recruitment efforts and staffing changes; training, direction and performance management; support professional development; and manage workloads and priorities.

· Oversee laboratory operations, providing leadership and guidance, support collaboration, facilitate projects, and identify infrastructure and technological needs.

· In conjunction with PI's vision, develops short and long-term goals, procures necessary resources and develops plans to meet those needs.

· Develop and implement laboratory/program policies, procedures, systems, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and study specific protocols within broader framework of program/division.

· Oversee that all quality assurance measures are taken, and regulatory procedures followed.

· Manage financial forecasting and reporting activities for laboratory/program.

· Manage and approve of all laboratory/program purchases and vendor negotiations.

· Identify laboratory/program needs including equipment, inventory, maintenance, repairs, etc. and oversee delivery of services.

· Perform complex lab experiments and manage laboratory/program projects and resources; work with internal and external partners to define project goals, resources, priorities; allocate and monitor effort and progress, redistribute or negotiate addition of resources as required; and ensure deliverables are completed within projected timelines.

· Assist in managing various aspects of the grant preparation process including application and renewal process, progress reports, assembling proposals and reviewing proposals for accuracy.

· Provide tutorials, workshops, and individual training sessions on experimental design, data analysis, and instrumentation use.

· May contribute toward articles for publication in scientific journals or for presentations at conferences and symposiums.

· Serve as the laboratory/program representative to represent PI at meetings with various external and internal departments and groups (i.e., regulatory oversight groups, Fred Hutch administration, funding agencies, external collaborators, vendors, subcontractors, etc.) as necessary to ensure success of the laboratory/program.

· Oversees special projects and new initiatives of the PI as requested.

COMPETENCIES

With Inclusion , you understand that your ideas and contributions are valued. You promote the same for others. You address your own biases while promoting diversity and equity. (Competencies: Cultural Humility, Cultural Awareness, Cultural Intelligence)

With Drive , you see that you can serve as a leader whether you have a formal leadership role or not. You tackle problems, move past setbacks and hardships, and don't lose sight of your goals. (Competencies: Self-Confidence, Analytical Thinking, Innovative thinking, Technical Expertise)

You demonstrate Professionalism by setting the example for others and consistently modeling MD Anderson's values and service standards. You communicate effectively in a variety of ways. (Competencies: Inspire Trust, Oral Communication, Written Communication)

Through Emotional Intelligence , you maintain awareness of your own emotions and the emotions of those around you. Use nonverbal cues and feelings to engage others in an inclusive and responsive way. (Competencies: Active Listening, Teaming, Self-Reflection)

Having Coachability means you are engaged in relentless learning. You constantly ask questions and stay curious. You understand that the organization constantly evolves, and you should as well. (Competencies: Develop Oneself, Adaptability)

Onsite Presence: Is Required

WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequency

Please Select

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PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Frequency

Weight

Carrying

Keyboarding

Standing

Walking

Sitting

Lifting

Pushing/Pulling

Frequent 34-66%

Frequent 34-66%

Frequent 34-66%

Frequent 34-66%

Occasionally 11-33%

Occasionally 11-33%

Occasionally 11-33%

20-50 lbs.

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20-50 lbs.

20-50 lbs.

COGNITIVE DEMANDS

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Oral Communication

Written Communication

EDUCATION:

Required: Bachelor's degree.

Preferred: Master's degree.

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Five years of experience in scientific, research or clinical laboratory to include three years in a lead/supervisory capacity. With preferred degree, three years of required experience in a lead/supervisory capacity.

Ideal candidate will have:

• Three to five years of progressive experience in a research laboratory setting, or related

• One to two years of laboratory leadership experience.

• The candidate must be self-motivated, able to multitask and to work within a very collaborative environment.

• Prior hands-on experience in the cultivation of anaerobic bacterial species, working within anaerobic chambers is a must.

• Experience working from clinical specimens / lyophilized preserved specimens will be a distinct advantage.

• Prior experience in animal work, colony maintenance will be a distinct advantage.

• Highly motivated individual interested in a career in biological research or medicine.

• Proven track record of successful management of people and projects.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to think outside the box.

• Proficiency and experience in mouse colony management, genotyping and breeding would be highly valued.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 166906

• Employment Status: Full-Time

• Employee Status: Regular

• Work Week: Days

• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 66,500

• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 83,000

• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 99,500

• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay

• Fund Type: Soft

• Work Location: Onsite

• Pivotal Position: Yes

• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes

• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

• Science Jobs: Yes

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