Faculty Investigator
Organization
Job Location
601 Genome Way Northwest
Huntsville, AL 35806
United States
Job Description
Position: Faculty Investigator
Job Type: Full-Time
INSTITUTE OVERVIEW
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is an independent, non-profit institution dedicated to developing and applying scientific advances in genetics and genomics to health, agriculture, learning, and commercialization. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, HudsonAlpha's campus is home to faculty investigators carrying out cutting-edge research, extensive educational outreach programs, a genome sequencing center, a conference center, and more than 45 biotech companies.
Huntsville/Madison County, the birthplace of NASA's entry into the Space Race, is referred to as "Rocket City" and remains a national center for space science and exploration. Biotechnology, computing, telecommunications, diversified manufacturing, and various emerging specialties provide growing economic opportunities in delightful surroundings. The area enjoys a favorable cost of living, quality of life, and excellent schools. Mountains, lakes, woodlands, and the Tennessee River accommodate numerous recreational activities. A temperate climate is ideal for outdoor sports, including world-class golf, hiking, biking, and fishing. Major concerts, Broadway and symphony performances, extensive permanent collections, and traveling exhibitions contribute to a beautiful way of life.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
HudsonAlpha's internationally-renowned faculty is committed to making impactful discoveries in genomics and genetics to improve health and create a more sustainable world. Faculty interests span foundational research, rare & undiagnosed diseases, neurological & psychiatric disorders, cancer, and plant & agricultural research. In addition to running their research programs, the institute's mission and environment allow faculty to mentor trainees, participate in research seminars & conferences, explore direct applications of their research findings, and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. Under the direction of Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Richard M. Myers, Ph.D., HudsonAlpha's state-of-the-art experimental and computational research facilities support a vibrant, productive, and highly collaborative research community.
POSITION SUMMARY
HudsonAlpha is accepting applications for early to mid-career faculty members to join its research mission.
Early career faculty will have completed a Ph.D. and postdoctoral training and demonstrated a capacity for research to address important questions in human health and disease.
Mid-career faculty will have held a faculty, principal investigator, or similar position in academia or industry and demonstrated a capacity for research to address important questions in human health and disease.
Preference will be given to those applicants whose research complements and expands existing programs. The ideal candidate will have a particular interest in neurogenomics with an emphasis on neuropsychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases.
At HudsonAlpha, the faculty member will: build and sustain an independent research program that leads to impactful discoveries and technologies; recruit and advise trainees and professional staff; work collaboratively with colleagues at HudsonAlpha and elsewhere; and support the activities of the institute's educational outreach and economic development missions. A generous start-up package, salary, and benefits will be offered.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at HudsonAlpha, and candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
JOB SPECIFIC TASKS
A Faculty Investigator:
Determines their research program's overall objectives and milestones
Identifies research needs and potential funding sources; initiates proposals and seeks required funding; and participates in response to requests for proposals initiated and administered through government or nonprofit entities
Seeks funding opportunities that match research expertise and suit the missions and objectives of HudsonAlpha
Develops protocols (including laboratory methods and analysis) and communicates expectations to laboratory staff
Clarifies the objectives and requirements of each project, provides feedback to staff, and ensures overall quality and progress toward those objectives
Evaluates methodology for efficiency and coordination of effort both within the laboratory and between collaborating authors
Resources and staffs the laboratory, including budget allocation, hiring decisions, and assignments
Provides direction and oversight to research staff, including mentoring and teaching postdocs and graduate students
Ensures the research methods and ultimate work product are reflective of the highest scientific standards of integrity, quality, and confidence
Seeks publication of research findings in high-quality scientific journals
Acts as an ambassador for the HudsonAlpha mission, presenting to scientists, funding sources, educators, and the community at large
Supports the activities of HudsonAlpha's educational outreach and economic development missions
Exhibits deep curiosity and enthusiasm for discovery, encouraging and sustaining the laboratory team; embraces the ever-changing scientific environment
EDUCATION AND REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE
Doctoral degree in a field relevant to the applicant's research focus area from an accredited institution or the highest degree appropriate in the field of specialization. Postdoctoral experience is strongly preferred.
Extensive laboratory and/or computational research experience that brings unique research capabilities to HudsonAlpha
A substantial body of work exhibiting original research and publication
Well-developed communication skills, including the ability to present results, collaborate with colleagues, approach funding sources, and communicate objectives and appropriate feedback to laboratory staff
Demonstrated ability to advance projects, managing multiple tasks and priorities
Experience allocating resources, including a budget, staff time, materials, and equipment
Ability to assign objectives and manage tasks within deadlines
Proficiency with laboratory software, tools, and equipment
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Along with the online application, please attach the following:
Cover Letter (1-page max)
CV
Statement of research experiences, goals, and philosophy (3-page max)
DEIA Statement (1-page max). Detail past and future experiences and activities that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Examples include service experience with under-represented groups, awareness of challenges faced by historically underrepresented populations, community involvement beyond academia, and research activities that specifically contribute to DEIA.
Names and contact information (including email addresses) for three references
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions
ADA Requirements - The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.
Physical Demands
Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
Ability to present formal presentations before audiences.
Frequently moving between work areas.
Frequently moving, transporting, and positioning materials up to 30 pounds.
Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
Frequent operation of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners) and laboratory equipment.
Frequently position self (e.g. stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull/push, grasp/squeeze, wrist flexion/extension, reach to operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to chemical, mechanical and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes, and airborne particles.
Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Mental Functions
Continuous mental and visual attention, requiring sustained attention and observation.
Excellent fine motor skills and hand control in order to pipette accurately.
Ability to sustain focus during research procedures (to maintain protocol such as order of operations).
Ability to visually observe results and record outcomes on lab logs and/or PC.
Extensive documentation skills, good attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills are required.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
Requires the ability to adapt to change efficiently.
Ability to independently lead and conduct research, and to evaluate, interpret and present complex scientific data.
Capacity to work productively within functionally diverse teams as well as collaborate with external investigators and partners in academic and industrial settings.
Ability to prioritize issues and use sound judgment to recognize when additional consultation and/or help is needed.
Comfortable working on multiple projects at one time.
Strong logical thinking and deduction skills.
Ability to effectively present ideas and information in a variety of formats to a wide range of audiences.
Positive, flexible, and professional attitude.
It is the policy of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.
How to Apply
For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.