Director - Institute for Basic Research

About the Role

The New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (IBR) is recruiting for an Institute Director, an essential leadership position needed to continue the critical research of the institute and play a role in setting its course for the future. IBR is the research arm of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), including intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), rare genetic syndromes, and other neurological impairments.

IBR provides a unique research environment conducive to collaboration between basic research scientists and clinicians. It comprises approximately 30 research laboratories and an Article 16 Part 676 Diagnostic and Research Clinic, which has engaged in research and clinical work for over 50 years. IBR researchers have made significant contributions, including discovering genetic and biochemical defects leading to Phenylketonuria (PKU), developing newborn screening protocols, and patenting taurine for its essential role in brain development. The institute has also pioneered monoclonal antibodies for neurological diseases and pinpointed the gene for amyloid precursor protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Currently, IBR laboratories are engaged in placental modulation studies related to prenatal inflammation and maternal immune activation as a causal pathway for autism, co-authoring a novel Alzheimer’s vaccine, and expanding research into rare genetic disorders such as KBG syndrome and Ogden Syndrome. The institute seeks to build upon its strengths in Fragile X Syndrome, Down syndrome, and autism while developing new programs focusing on genetic defects as underlying causes of IDD. A significant investment is planned for a new Genomics Core Facility, which the Institute Director will drive.

On-site centralized services include Microscopy Services (Confocal and Light Sheet Microscopy), a Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Editorial/Grant Writing Services/Statistical Analysis, Mass Spectrometry, and the NYS IBR Brain and Tissue Bank for Developmental Disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for all clinical and research departments at IBR, establishing long- and short-term research goals.
• Develop and coordinate research programs in alignment with the mission of OPWDD to help people with IDD live richer lives.
• Facilitate research grant submissions and ensure the research mission aligns with OPWDD’s goals.
• Drive the development and implementation of a new Genomics Core Facility, cultivating strategic partnerships and ensuring operational excellence.
• Interact with stakeholders across IBR and OPWDD, including research scientists, clinicians, agency officials, and state government representatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, stakeholders, patients, and families to advance strategically focused and novel research partnerships.
• Ensure the quality and validity of empirical evidence, ethically and compliantly collected, stored, and analyzed in accordance with state and federal requirements.

Requirements

• A doctorate in medicine and six years of progressively responsible experience in clinical research.
• Three years of teaching experience as a member of the regular faculty of an approved medical school.
• Three years of experience supervising and directing a clinical research and teaching program, including publication of research findings.

Qualifications

• Holds a current Medical Degree with an active license to practice, and preferably a Ph.D. degree.
• Previous experience diagnosing and treating patients with developmental disabilities; Board-Certified Medical Geneticist preferred.
• Demonstrable experience obtaining NIH funding and knowledge of whole genome sequencing, single-cell PCR, and pluripotent cell lines.
• Experience overseeing a large research institute is ideal.
• Proven experience leading and managing research partnerships.
• Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed scientific publications and obtaining federal funding and other grant resources.
• Ten years of progressively responsible administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in a related field/facility/agency providing research and treatment services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and project management skills with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional and matrixed environment.

Benefits

• New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) coverage, including dental and optical plans at no extra cost.
• Generous sick leave and vacation package: 13 paid holidays, 13 days of paid vacation leave initially, 5 days of paid personal leave, and 8 days of paid sick leave annually (may carry over).
• Vesting in the NYS pension fund and access to the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Paid Parental Leave: up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for qualifying events (birth, adoption, or foster care placement).
• New York Paid Family Leave: up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid time off for bonding with a new child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or assisting loved ones during military deployment.
• Professional leave: up to 3 days annually for professional development events.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage through the Income Protection Program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for assessment and referral services.
• Life insurance and disability insurance.
• Savings programs, including U.S. Savings Bonds and the College Savings Plan.
• Voluntary pre-tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and Dependent Care Advantage Account.
• Professional development and training opportunities, including tuition assistance.
• Support for attendance at professional meetings and conferences, as well as publication fees in professional journals.
• Part-time telecommuting work plan negotiable.

Pay

Posted hiring salary includes the sum of the statutory hiring rate for this position ($202,931) and a Downstate Adjustment ($4,000). The Downstate adjustment is also added to the job rate ($285,000). Salary will be determined based on the candidate’s education and experience, with higher compensation offered to those meeting all preferred qualifications in addition to the minimum requirements.