AssociateProfessor – Synthetic Biology (Vashee Lab)

Salary Range: $140,000.00 To175,000.00 Annually

Position Summary 

We seek an Associate Professor in thedepartment of Synthetic Biology (jcvi.org/research/synthetic-biology). Weinvite applications for those with experience emerging genetic and physicalengineering to produce new (and, therefore, synthetic) life forms. To developorganisms with novel or enhanced characteristics, this emerging field of studycombines biology, engineering, and related disciplines' knowledge andtechniques to design chemically synthesized DNA. This position is responsiblefor initiating and managing innovative research projects in areas related tothe strategic goals of JCVI.  

Associate Professors are expected tobe research and project leaders for independently funded projects (as PIs orco-PIs) and to serve as leaders and major contributors for larger team projectsinvolving multiple Professors. They are recognized nationally andinternationally as important contributors to their research field.  

This position will report to Dr.Sanjay Vashee, Director, Rockville Campus, and Professor, SyntheticBiology. https://www.jcvi.org/about/sanjay-vashee 

Job Location: Rockville, Maryland

To apply: www.jcvi.org/careers

Learn More About Us: www.jcvi.org

Essential Functions

• As a Principal Professor, initiates, seeks outside     funding for, and manages an independent research portfolio comprising R01     type research grants and/or team projects in defined areas related to the     goals of the Institute. 
• Significantly contributes to the conceptualization     and writing of research proposals in order to obtain grant/contract     funding. 

• Identifies research project needs and ensures     projects are brought to successful completion. 
• Designs and executes/implements scientific     experiments/tools; analyzes and interprets experimental results. 

• Trains and supervises other faculty members, staff     scientists, post-doctoral fellows, and/or research associates, and/or     students, and/or data specialists assigned to the Department. They also     function as mentors for junior faculty and other scientific staff to     promote career development, increase productivity, and provide new     research opportunities.  
• Attends scientific meetings and trainings to keep     abreast of latest scientific findings and developments.  
• Publishes results of scientific work in     peer-reviewed journals or equivalent on a consistent basis. 
• Keeps current on research efforts in specific     scientific discipline and advances knowledge of related scientific fields     through continued reading of literature. 
• Attends and participates in national and     international scientific meetings. 
• Participates in JCVI laboratory meetings and     scientific working groups. 
• Responsible for the integration of environmental,     health and safety protocols into work activities. This includes reporting     potential hazards and when necessary, helping to implement solutions to     ensure safety and respect for the environment. 
• Supervises staff to provide guidance and     counseling for effective employee relations to include performance     appraisals, regular performance feedback and direction. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Strictly adheres to all documented JCVI policies     and procedures to include conducting all functions required of Institute     employees (i.e., completion of timesheets in an accurate and timely     manner).

 Prerequisites 

• M.D. or Ph.D. in relevant scientific Field such as     Synthetic Biology or Engineering Biology required. Minimum of five years     post-doctoral experience performing duties similar to the above.     Supervisory experience preferred. Individuals who do not hold a Ph.D. or     M.D. but with comparable experience in a relevant field and have     demonstrated exceptional scientific accomplishments and technology     development may also be eligible.  
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise     staff. 
• High level of discretion for confidential work and     information; ability to appropriately manage critical information and     sensitive situations. 
• Must play a significant role in obtaining funding     for research projects. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects from     beginning to successful completion. 
• Has an established publications record in their     field. 
• Must be able to initiate and conduct     investigations in relevant scientific areas. 
• Must be able to formulate experimental hypotheses     and analyze and interpret scientific data. 
• Superior verbal and written communications     skills. 
• Strong computer aptitude, including experience     with word processing and/or spreadsheet software and/or data analysis and     database software. 
• Familiarity with standard laboratory safety     procedures and equipment. 
• Excellent organization and time management     skills. 
• Flexibility to manage a variety of tasks and shift     priorities simultaneously. 
• Strong people skills: ability to effectively     interact with all levels of staff and external contacts; ability to work     as an effective team member. 
• Cooperative and service-oriented attitude; must be     able to work under pressure and maintain a professional demeanor. 
• Ability to use sound judgment to effectively solve     problems within the scope of the position. 
• High level of initiative and ability to work with     minimum supervision. 

Work Environment
The work environmentcharacteristics described here are representative of those a teammateencounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonableaccommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to performthe essential functions. 

• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with     computers, phone, and printers, light traffic)
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an     extended period of time.
• Ability to stand and/or sit for an extended period     of time while working in the lab. 

Physical Demands
The physical demandsdescribed here are representative of those that must be met to successfullyperform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may bemade to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the     employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands     and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach, stoop     kneel to install computer equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job     include close vision requirements due to computer and lab work.
• Light to moderate lifting is required.

J. Craig Venter Institute is an EqualOpportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and willreceive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability,protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic orstatus.

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