Scientific Project Manager (Yumul) at J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for performing molecular biology/genomics projects in support of scientific investigations at the Institute and supervising various team members. Is responsible for the overall management of the laboratory space, reagents, and equipment; as well as project progression and budget. Works closely with senior management and faculty to ensure the proper coordination, requirements and timelines are met for projects.

Position Responsibilities:

• Performs basic and specialized molecular biology techniques with limited supervision of the faculty supervisor. Techniques include but are not limited to: cDNA library construction, random library construction, PCR, RTPCR, Southern and Northern blots, RNA slot blots, restriction/modification enzymes, plasmid preparations, RNA/DNA preparations and purification, cloning, subcloning and fingerprinting, expression analysis techniques, and other general molecular biology techniques.


• Organizes and leads team’s group and laboratory meetings when PI is not in attendance.


• Interacts with collaborators and investigators to coordinate experimental planning and analysis.


• Prepares and maintains budgets.


• Actively contributes to scientific publications


• Plans and organizes team’s daily, weekly, and monthly work flow in order to achieve goals.


• Troubleshoots and resolves issues concerning, timelines, priorities, and lab work.


• Prepares and presents projects at meetings and conferences.


• Assists in the coordination of all paperwork associated with projects. This includes ensuring the completion of both internal and external documents and permit requirements.


• Oversees the overall organization and allocation of laboratory space.


• Manages the inventory of all internal reagents and supplies required by the laboratory.


• Works directly with external collaborators. This includes setting up collaborations for new collaborators and keeping them up to date on the status of the collaborative project. Ensures project agreements between the collaborator and JCVI are upheld, and ensures that there are open lines of communication.


• Keeps up-to-date on scientific publications that are related to the current projects in progress. Maintains close contact with the faculty members to discuss new strategies that may help similar projects.


• 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


• Primary point of contact for vendors, service technicians, JCVI Facilities Department and JCVI purchasing.


• Assists in the ordering of and supervises the maintenance schedule of all laboratory equipment for managed projects.


• Supervises staff to provide guidance and counseling for effective employee relations to include performance appraisals, and regular performance feedback and direction.


• Performs other related tasks as assigned.


• Strictly adheres to all documented JCVI policies and procedures to include carrying out all functions required of Institute employees such as completion of timesheets and effort surveys in an accurate and timely manner.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field and a minimum of six years’ experience required; or a Master’s Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology with a minimum of four years of experience required. Hands-on laboratory experience preferably in an independent project preferred. Attainment of Project Manager Professional Certification.


• Demonstrated ability to supervise staff.


• Must have ability and desire to work on projects independently with minimum supervision; must have a high level of initiative.


• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize ideas and incorporate methodologies into processes, as well as the ability to identify areas for development and improvement in the operation and organization of projects.


• Ability to effectively mentor and provide guidance to Research Associates (I-IV’s).


• Ability to evaluate data and help in the designing of experiments.


• Must be able to operate standard and specialized laboratory equipment.


• Familiarity with standard laboratory safety procedures.


• Strong computer aptitude, including experience with word processing and spreadsheet software; experience with computer techniques which may include knowledge of relational databases, familiarity with sequence analysis software, experience in a UNIX environment, and/or expression analysis software.


• Must be able to read, comprehend and discuss relevant literature with co-workers.


• 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.


• Must be able to interact with scientific staff to communicate project needs, help set priorities, and evaluate project progress.


• 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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