Associate Director – Maryland Genomics

Established within the Institute for Genome Sciences (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, single-cell, and spatial multi-omics, qPCR/dPCR, and bioinformatics platforms, Maryland Genomics generates and analyzes high-quality genomic data in a cost-effective manner. The team comprises scientists, bioinformaticians, project managers, and research specialists with extensive experience in planning and managing both small and large-scale projects. The facility operates 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. It also provides 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, processing more than 20,000 specimens annually. The core strives to maintain cutting-edge genomic capabilities and continually upgrades its platforms and pipelines to the latest technologies.

About the role

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 of 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 lead 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.

Responsibilities

• Engage with existing and prospective clients to provide service consultations, tailored research approaches, quotations, and project management of new and ongoing research projects.
• Facilitate 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 matching client communications, work orders, and quotations.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and long-term trends of production pipelines, identify problems and trend fluctuations in production pipelines, and work with laboratory staff to address them.
• Interface with project management and financial staff to monitor the status of completed projects and accounts receivable.
• Collaborate with Maryland Genomics staff, IGS faculty, and other stakeholders to develop and implement an outward-facing business development pipeline, including presentations and marketing activities at vendor exhibitions, scientific meetings, and seminars.
• Participate in background research and lead generation in preparation for responses to federal, state, and commercial contracting opportunities.
• Collaborate on grant and contract proposals, administration, and progress reports.
• Act as liaison between Maryland Genomics, IGS, the UMSOM community, internal and external customers, and vendors.
• Stay up to date with the latest technologies utilized in lab operations, focusing on next-generation sequencing, laboratory automation, spatial, and single-cell approaches.
• Establish short-term and long-term goals based on project demand in consultation with Maryland Genomics leadership.
• Participate in editing and repairing manuscripts and scientific illustrations for publication, and prepare journal articles.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field. A master’s or PhD in these fields may substitute for two or three years of experience, respectively.
• Seven years of administrative experience in a high-throughput research or related environment.
• Five years of supervisory experience, directing teams of 10 or more staff with diverse laboratory and bioinformatics backgrounds.
• Deep knowledge of high-throughput genomics and multi-omics platforms, approaches, and applications.
• Leadership experience in managing multi-client core operations and projects.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with both technical and non-technical team members, institute and campus leadership, research clients, and technology vendors.
• Experience leading teams of both wet lab and bioinformatics researchers.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

• 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 relationships and projects simultaneously.
• Skill in managing core finances and building and implementing business development plans for expanding core services.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package prioritizing wellness, work/life balance, and professional development.
• Retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) effective on date of hire.
• Generous paid leave package: over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave days, and unlimited accrual of sick time.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Professional learning and development programs.
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school.
• Flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

Pay

$172,500 - $185,000 – Commensurate with education and experience.