The New York Genome Center (‘NYGC”) is looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual to contribute to research and development being undertaken in our clinical laboratory as part of our Women’s Genetic Center initiative. The Lead Clinical Staff Scientist is responsible for leading methods development and analysis for new assays for the clinical lab. The Lead Clinical Staff Scientist plays a cross-functional role by collaborating and interacting with the software engineering group. As a Lead Clinical Staff Scientist at NYGC, you are expected to design innovative computational approaches for the analysis of current and upcoming clinical genomic technologies. The Lead Clinical Staff Scientist will work as part of a larger team of highly skilled scientists and report to the Chief Diagnostics Officer.

Key Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Lead methods development and analysis for new assays for the Clinical laboratory in collaboration with the Chief Diagnostics Officer;
• Evaluate and do due diligence of potential new discovery projects for the clinical laboratory;
• Act as top scientific resource and provide expert input and guidance;
• Provide consultative, and scientific advice to the clinical team in order to guide clinical research and development strategy;
• Work closely with Computational Biology and Clinical Bioinformatics teams to troubleshoot laboratory, sequencing, pipeline, and bioinformatics issues;
• Independently design and develop methods for clinical projects;
• Design and implement innovative computational approaches for the analysis of sequence datasets from genomics technologies;
• Work with other teams at NYGC to evaluate and develop new methods for new sequencing techniques and technologies;
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers on analyses of genomic data;
• Work with biologists and/or clinicians to design appropriate studies and establish analysis plans and goals;
• Present results to internal and external scientists through talks, peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations;
• Contribute to grant applications for the clinical laboratory.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Advanced degree in the biological sciences with computational skills, PhD required;
• Experience working on clinical research projects required
• 10 or more years work experience in Bioinformatics, Genomics or Genetics with experience in analyzing data derived from human genomic sequencing;
• Experience developing novel computational methods for the analysis of next generation sequencing (NGS) data;
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the use of existing bioinformatics tools and biological databases, as well as familiarity with cloud computing;
• Experience working in a Linux environment required, with C++/Python/Perl and running a cluster and BASH shell scripting;
• Experience with common source control systems such as Git;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels;
• Strong organizational and time management skills with emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail;
• Strong ability to identify and solve problems, analyze data and implement/troubleshoot solutions.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NYGC we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Competencies

• Technical and Professional Skills: Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant for current role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations and delivers on commitments.
• Collaborative & Communicative: Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good judgment as to what to communicate and when to do so.
• Adaptable & Innovative: Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion and curiosity.

Work Flexibility

NYGC has established a flexible work policy to give employees and other staff more ability to balance their work, personal commitments, and commuting challenges. The incumbent in this position is eligible for a flexible work schedule or hybrid remote work arrangement with supervisory approval. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Salary & Benefits

The pay range for this position is $138,000-$180,000, the expected pay amount is $149,000 per year; the base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

In addition, NYGC offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits as well as generous time off. This includes Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Holidays, Sick, and Other Leave, including a paid winter break; a 401(k) match; Life Insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; employee Tuition Reimbursement; flexible schedules and telework options for some positions; an Employee Assistance Program; and much more.

About the Clinical Lab

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) has a state-of-the-art clinical diagnostic laboratory that utilizes next-generation sequencing technology to perform cutting-edge tests in the areas of genetics and oncology. The Clinical Laboratory is accredited by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and the Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program of the New York State Department of Health (CLEP). It is licensed to perform clinical testing in all fifty (50) of the United States and the District of Columbia. The laboratory participates in the College of American Pathologists (CAP) proficiency testing.

The Lab offers a variety of tests including Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES). Oncology Testing is available for patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Genetic Testing is available for patients with undiagnosed diseases as well as individuals who are seeking predispositional genetic testing. NYGC is the first clinical laboratory offering New York State-approved clinical whole genome and transcriptome tests for cancer, and the first clinical laboratory offering New York State (NYS)-approved clinical WGS tests for undiagnosed disease and for predispositional genetic screening.

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 the leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region, 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.

Equal Opportunity

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to NYGC’s core mission. We strive to create a workplace environment that is welcoming and fair to all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, or religion. We believe that when people of various backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives work together in an inclusive and equitable environment we gain new and valuable perspectives that otherwise would have been missed. Valuing and supporting all NYGC employees as individuals while helping them realize their full potential is critical to promoting greater collaboration, innovation, and discovery – fostering a sense of belonging for our greatest strength, our people. We recognize that there is still work to be done that will require sustained commitment from the entire organization.

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. NYGC 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. 

FLSA Status – Exempt

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.