Job Summary

The Division of Intramural Research (DIR) at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is seeking to recruit an outstanding Staff Scientist to join the Molecular Genomic Core as the Technical Director. The ideal candidate should have a strong track record of achievements in molecular biology and genetics, including expertise with high-throughput sequencing.

The mission of the NICHD Molecular Genomics Core (MGC) is to provide technical and scientific support to NICHD investigators using next-generation sequencing technologies (NGS).  These technologies include, but are not limited to, single cell/nucleus transcriptomics, RNA-sequencing, ChIP-Seq, ribosomal profiling, genomic sequencing, targeted long range sequencing and spatial transcriptomics.  MGC closely coordinates its activities with the NICHD Bioinformatics and Scientific Programming Core. Additional information on MGC can be found at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/about/org/dir/other-facilities/cores/molecular-genomics

Required Qualifications

1. Knowledge and hands-on experience in NGS technologies, including library preparation, sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina), data analysis, and quality control.
2. Ability to lead and manage a team, providing guidance, training, and support for NGS operations and projects.  Able to learn from a team where individuals have specific expertise. 
3. Experience in administrative tasks for a lab, including resource allocation, budgeting, instrument maintenance, and user support.
4. Understanding and implementation of quality control procedures, ensuring data accuracy, reproducibility, and adherence to standard operating procedures.
5. Familiarity with bioinformatics tools, pipelines, and analysis techniques used in NGS data processing, alignment, variant calling, and data interpretation.
6. Deep understanding of project design, including the ability to engage with researchers, understand their scientific objectives, and guide NGS experimental design, sample preparation, and data analysis strategies.
7. Capable of suggesting innovative solutions and optimizing workflows to maximize project outcomes and address specific research needs.
8. Strong organizational and project management skills to oversee multiple NGS projects, ensuring timely execution, resource optimization, and effective collaboration with researchers.
9. Interpersonal and communication skills to interact with researchers and collaborators, providing technical guidance and facilitating effective collaborations.
10. Ability to identify and address technical issues, troubleshoot instrument or data analysis problems, and provide solutions to optimize workflows.
11. Awareness of the latest advancements in NGS technologies, staying updated on new platforms, protocols, and applications, and evaluating their potential integration into the core facility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants.

Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure

If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency.

Foreign Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Learn more about Foreign Education.

Reasonable Accommodation

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.