Professor (Glass) at J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

Position Summary

This major scientific leadership position is responsible for developing, funding and managing innovative world-class independent and team-based research in areas related to the strategic goals of JCVI. Professors are expected to formulate long-term research objectives and prepare and submit proposals that obtain external funding for research projects. Through program responsibilities and scientific leadership, a professor strongly influences the scientific direction and success of JCVI. Professors are recognized internationally as experts in and leading contributors to their field of research.

This position will report to Dr. John Glass, Director, La Jolla Campus, and Professor, Synthetic Biology. www.jcvi.org/about/john-glass

Essential Functions

• In support of JCVI strategic goals actively plays a major role in seeking support for independent and team-based research projects. A Professor is expected to manage a research team, or teams comprised of several junior scientific staff who are engaged in significant and productive projects.

• Obtains grant/contract funding through the conceptualization and writing of research proposals.

• 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 act 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 such the JCVI Institutional Biosafety Committee or faculty teams formed to set new institutional priorities.

• Strictly adheres to all documented JCVI policies and procedures to include carrying out 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 discipline such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Immunology, Microbiology, Neuroscience or Computer Science required. Minimum of seven years’ experience since obtaining a doctorate performing duties similar to the above. 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. Supervisory experience required.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise staff.

• High level of discretion for confidential work and information; ability to appropriately handle critical information and sensitive situations.

• Must bring external funding to support your research projects and staff.
  

• Demonstrated ability to consistently lead projects from beginning to successful completion.

• By imparting wisdom and perspective to others, has built a respectful reputation as an expert in his/her field.

• Is recognized for having an established and prestigious publication record in the 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.

• 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 handle a variety of tasks and shift priorities simultaneously.

• Strong interpersonal 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.

• Superior verbal and written communications skills.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the 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 demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made 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 Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive 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 or status.

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