Associate Director – Maryland Genomics

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Maryland Genomics at the Institute for Genome Sciences (IGS) is currently recruiting for an Associate Director, Genomic Core Center Administration. Established within IGS in 2007, Maryland Genomics is a high-throughput laboratory and data analysis team supporting the scientific programs of IGS and its collaborators, both across the University of Maryland system and around the globe. Using high-throughput sequencing, singe-cell, and spatial multi-omics, qPCR/dPCR, and bioinformatics platforms, Maryland Genomics generates and analyzes high-quality genomic data in a cost-effective manner. Our diverse team is comprised of scientists, bioinformaticians, project managers, and research specialists with extensive experience in planning and managing both small and large-scale projects. We operate multiple high-throughput sequencing platforms, including Illumina, Pacific Biosciences, and Oxford Nanopore, with a combined annual capacity exceeding 1 petabase of high-quality, passed-filter data. We also provide single-cell and spatial sequencing using the 10x Genomics Chromium X and Visium HD platforms, and digital molecular counting and spatial multi-omics assays on the NanoString nCounter and CosMx platforms. Maryland Genomics supports more than 200 investigator clients and 300 research projects, and processes more than 20,000 specimens annually. As part of our mandate, we strive to maintain cutting-edge genomic capabilities and continually upgrade our platforms and pipelines to the latest technologies.

The Associate Director of Maryland Genomics offers an exciting opportunity to join a highly respected genomics research institute and high-throughput core with a long history supporting and developing innovative technologies. The selected candidate will report directly to the Executive Director of Maryland Genomics and provide strategic and operational oversight of a complex core comprised of multiple teams of highly trained staff and multiple production sequencing and multi-omics pipelines. This leadership position will be responsible for leading client engagement, including client consultations, high-level project planning, oversight of financial operations, and ensuring each project is conducted and completed on time and on budget. The Associate Director will partner closely with the Executive Director and Institute Director to establish and implement long-term strategic plans for both the core service and technology development sides of the core. It is expected that the successful candidate will:

• Possess deep knowledge of high-throughput genomics and multi-omics platforms, approaches and applications;

• Exhibit leadership experience in managing multi-client core operations and projects;

• Have the skills and ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with both technical and non-technical team members, institute and campus leadership, research clients, and technology vendors;

• Demonstrate experience leading teams of both wet lab and bioinformatics researchers;

• Excel in a fast-paced, large-scale laboratory and research institution with a matrixed structure requiring developing relationships and efficient processes with multiple partner organizations and stakeholders.

Benefits: Exempt Regular 

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of.  This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job). 

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Primary Duties:

• Engages with existing and prospective clients to provide service consultations, tailored research approaches, quotations, and project management of new and ongoing research projects.

• Facilitates communication between Maryland Genomics and clients and/or funding agency representatives on project status and data transfer to end-users or public data repositories.

• Reconcile the scientific and financial components of incoming projects to ensure proper downstream data generation by a combination of matching client communications, work orders, and quotations.

• Oversees day-to-day operations and long-term trends of production pipelines, identifies problems and trend fluctuations that may arise in production pipelines and works with the laboratory staff to address problems.

• Interfaces with project management and financial staff to monitor status of completed projects and accounts receivable.

• In collaboration with Maryland Genomics staff, IGS faculty, and other stakeholders, works to develop and implement an outward facing business development pipeline that may include presentations and marketing activities at vendor exhibitions, scientific meetings/seminars.

• Participates in background research and lead generation in the preparation of responses to federal, state, and commercial contracting opportunities.

• Collaborates on grant and contract proposals, administration, and progress reports.

• With Maryland Genomics leadership, acts as liaison between Maryland Genomics, IGS, and the UMSOM community, internal and external customers, and vendors.

• Keeps up to date with the latest technologies utilized in lab operations with a focus on next-generation sing, laboratory automation, spatial and single-cell approaches.

• In consultation with Maryland Genomics leadership, establishes short-term and long-term goals based on project demand.

• Participates in editing and repairing manuscripts and scientific illustrations for publication. Prepares journal articles.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related field. A master’s or PhD in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or related field may be substituted for two/three years of experience.

Experience: Seven (7) years of administrative experience in a high-throughput research or related environment required. Prior experience in the field of automated high-throughput DNA sequencing including genomic data generation, data analysis and interpretation, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications, is preferred. Previous administrative experience managing accounts in a multi-client core facility is strongly preferred. Prior experience in genomic and multi-omic data management, processing, and bioinformatics analysis is preferred.

Supervisory Experience: Five (5) years of supervisory experience required, directing teams of 10 or more staff with diverse laboratory and bioinformatics backgrounds.

Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

Preferred Experience: 

• Extensive experience in high-throughput sequencing approaches, applications, and technologies.

• Experience managing and consulting with genomics core clients and researchers to optimize technologies and service plans for a wide array of research projects.

• Experience implementing, optimizing, and operating high-capacity laboratory automation workflows and platforms.

• Experience in management of large-scale ‘omics data infrastructure, including data management, delivery, dissemination, and security systems.

• Experience in development and management of laboratory metadata through LIMS systems, and coordination of LIMS development goals with both laboratory and bioinformatics teams.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

• Thorough knowledge of position requirements, including direction of laboratory and bioinformatics projects, processes, pipelines, and teams in a fast-paced, large-scale core environment.

• Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems, including genomic and multi-omic technologies and methods.

• Ability to engage with and manage many client relationship and projects simultaneously.

• Skill in managing core finances and building and implementing business development plans for expanding core services.

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts.

• Ability to support a mission and strategic vision.

• Instructional, training, and teambuilding skills to strengthen and cultivate relationships.

• Skill in consultation and change management.

• Thorough knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws.

• Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of emerging spatial biology technologies and approaches, and experience implementing new platforms.

• Deep understanding of bioinformatics analysis, implementation and optimization of analysis pipelines and methods, and data interpretation in support of client research goals.

Hiring Range: $168,500 - $185,000 – Commensurate with education and experience

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification. 

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request . You may also contact leave_and_accom@umaryland.edu    Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. 

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.