ABOUT THE NEW YORK GENOME CENTER
The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit, academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic research. NYGC scientists and staff are furthering new approaches to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer through their unique capabilities in whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, state-of-the art analytics, and the development of genomic tools. NYGC concentrates specifically on disease-based research in the following areas: neuropsychiatric disease (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar); neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s), and cancer.
Located in Lower Manhattan, the New York Genome Center was founded by and remains closely affiliated with twelve leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region and beyond, engaging in research projects with and for these institutions. Essential to our collaborative work is an outstanding faculty, whose members typically hold a joint appointment at NYGC and a partner university. They support our scientific mission by conducting independent research in areas of mutual interest to us and the wider scientific community.
As part of the ongoing collaborative cancer research effort organized by NYGC, leaders of the New York City cancer research community have joined together to harness the City’s strengths - its diverse population, its vast number of residents, and its outstanding academic medical institutions - to advance cancer genomics and its practice in cancer care. The vision of this project, called Polyethnic-1000, is to improve outcomes for cancer patients of multiple ethnicities, including those who lack access to the most recent advances in medical science, by bringing the new genomic methods that are transforming all aspects of oncology to patient populations that are generally under-represented in research and hence deprived of the benefits of scientific progress. Polyethnic-1000 will establish a framework to enhance interactions among our region’s academic and community health centers to advance cancer genomics and enable, improve and widen the use of genomics for all, especially currently underserved ethnic minority populations.
The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The New York Genome Center takes affirmative action in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Scientific Collaboration Manager will manage large, complex and/or highly visible cancer projects that are strategically important to NYGC and coordinate scientific collaborations, including, in particular, the Polyethnic-1000 study. This includes both operational and scientific support across the full range of sequencing research projects that NYGC is pursuing with academic and industry partners . The Scientific Collaboration Manager will also provide key support and leadership in two strategically important working groups at NYGC: the Genome Center Cancer Group (GCCG) and Computational Cancer Group (CCG).
The Scientific Collaboration Manager will report to the Director, Sequencing Operations. For the Polyethnic-1000 study, the Scientific Collaboration Manager will coordinate a cross-functional inter-institutional team of scientific and administrative staff to coordinate and manage the study-related activities, and liaise with teams at participating sites. Additionally, the Scientific Collaboration Manager will work with the internal Project Management staff (one Assistant Project Manager and one Clinical Research Coordinator) to manage and oversee other cancer projects and collaborations ongoing at NYGC. The Scientific Collaboration Manager will be responsible for the workflow and processes that are critical to the success of projects in this disease-area program, including working group support, grant and protocol development and oversight, and budget management.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
POLYETHNIC-1000 STUDY
- Responsible for planning the Polyethnic-1000 study phases, in conjunction with the Principal Investigator(s) (PIs) and GCCG leadership, including preparing accurate, feasible and comprehensive timelines, budget, metrics and deliverables; developing a master protocol, quality standards and metrics; and overseeing the development of a data analysis and sharing plan;
- Manages the development and implementation of a master collaboration agreement among members of the Polyethnic-1000 consortium, working with NYGC’s legal and administrative staff;
- Responsible for developing a site, patient and sample sourcing strategy, in conjunction with the PI(s), reviewing site feasibility, performing enrollment forecasts, and developing targets for sample collection from area partners with underserved patients;
- Support the PI(s) and GCCG leadership as required with communication across the consortium; and, in developing and maintaining strong relationships with academic investigators and clinicians at partner and community hospitals;
- Provide support to the Clinical Research Coordinator on activities such as:
- writing the Polyethnic-1000 multi-site master protocol, in conjunction with the PI(s), consulting other internal teams to ensure that it is robust and accurate;
- quality control of specimen procurement;
- training community hospital staff in the protocol, including consent and sample collection to ensure quality and data integrity;
- writing SOPs, workflows and study documentation in line with the IRB to facilitate patient sample collection and processing, and other project processes;
- Accountable for providing metrics for project oversight;
- Responsible for drafting funding progress reports, as required by funders, with oversight, final review and submission by NYGC’s Development team; and,
- Provide NYGC’s senior leadership regular reporting on Polyethnic-1000 progress, input on project prioritization, plans of action for managing backlogs, and involve leadership in key project decision-making where there could be institutional impact.
SCIENTIFIC COLLABORATION MANAGEMENT
- Lead project management of other cancer projects with NYGC’s academic and industry partners, guiding scientific discussion and project direction in close coordination with NYGC’s cancer leadership:
- Accountable and responsible for ensuring adherence to deliverables, timelines, quality standards, key metrics and cost;
- Responsible for identifying project issues by reviewing and monitoring emerging data, and working with the PI(s) and/or internal partners to develop sound, strategic solutions;
- Responsible for creating and maintaining IRB protocols for grants, in consultation with the PI(s);
- Accountable for project budget oversight, tracking and adherence;
- Act as point person for large, collaborative projects and grant applications, including cross-functional planning;
- Identify and characterize complex issues in project planning and design, and implement solutions with minimal supervision;
- Support NYGC’s scientific leadership and project PIs with communication across consortiums, scientific and operational team members, key opinion holders, and other partners to ensure project success and the development and maintenance of strong collaborative relationships in the community;
- Responsible for agenda setting, meeting documentation, and action item follow-up for all relevant scientific working groups;
- Define, standardize, generate, and deliver reports (routinely and ad hoc) for key external and internal stakeholders, including NYGC leadership and grant management reporting;
- Support NYGC’s Software Engineering team in making data publically available for use by academia and industry; and,
- Responsible for coordinating the development of presentations and peer-reviewed publications in collaboration with the PI(s) and other team members, to communicate study data results internally and externally.
GENERAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- Function as a senior member in the Project Management team, being able to accurately perform the following:
- generating and submitting quotes for internal project tracking;
- coordinating with lab management to plan incoming sample submissions and timelines for sample preparation and sequencing;
- reviewing sequencing run and data QC statistics;
- delivering data accurately and on time;
- reporting deliveries to finance for invoicing;
- Responsible for coordinating troubleshooting of sample preparation, sequencing and data analysis with the laboratory and bioinformatics teams;
- Responsible for managing reporting, communication, and addressing questions that are generated once data is provided;
- Mentor and train junior Project Management staff;
- Assist with internal operations and act as a point person for the Project Management team (e.g. finance closeout, bioinformatics stakeholder meetings, etc); and
- Provide NYGC senior leadership with input on project prioritization, managing backlogs, and key project issues that cross department boundaries.
Required Skills
- PhD degree in Genetics, Cancer Biology, or related field of study required;
- 5+ years genetics and genomics research experience required and a thorough understanding of next-generation sequencing technologies and computational analyses;
- 3+ years of project management experience for large, complex scientific programs required;
- Prior project management experience and knowledge of best practices and tools required, as well as demonstrated professionalism in dealing with a wide range of customers;
- 3+ years of clinical research and genomic study experience required;
- Demonstrated excellence in complex clinical research project management required;
- Strong understanding of regulatory requirements for clinical studies required, including National Institutes of Health, U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and New York State laws, regulations and guidelines;
- Ability to present work confidently to NYGC’s cancer leadership and at external meetings required;
- Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal and presentation skills required;
- Motivated individual with ability to efficiently multitask, work under pressure, handle interruptions and meet deadlines;
- Experience working with colleagues of various backgrounds (e.g. software engineering, genome science, and IT) to achieve one’s own goals;
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with an emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail;
- Ability to identify and solve problems, analyze data and implement/troubleshoot solutions required;
- A self-directed individual who is capable of taking initiative and assuming responsibility;
- Ability to work both independently and in a complex team environment required;
- Expertise and experience in oncology highly preferred; and,
- Experience in large scale projects that involve consortia and genomic technologies highly preferred.
COMPETENCIES
- JOB MASTERY- Knowledgeable of current role and technical skills, and the impact it has on the Center.
- CONTINUOUS LEARNING– Strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills.
- COLLABORATIVE– Encourages participation from team members and works effectively with all levels.
- CREDIBLE– Works with a high level of integrity.
- COMMUNICATIVE– Actively listens to others and uses good judgement as to what to communicate to whom; provides feedback.
- FOCUSED – Utilizes efficient and effective processes.
- ADAPTABLE– Demonstrate flexibility with changing priorities.
- INNOVATIVE– Develops new insights and pursues improvements.
- TAKES OWNERSHIP– Prioritizes tasks, manages time and delivers on commitments.
- VISIONARY – Aligns and inspires efforts toward our mission driven organization.
- TALENT BUILDER – Attracts, develops, empowers and retains talent, and communicates expectations and feedback in real time_._
- STEWARDSHIP – Uses NYGC’s resources responsibly.
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
This position is eligible for relocation assistance.
This position does not qualify for immigration sponsorship.
Required Experience