The Scientific Project Manager provides operational project management and scientific collaboration support for NYGC across the full range of sequencing operations projects. This includes day-to-day management of scientific projects and collaborations, involvement in the consultation process with potential investigators, and assisting senior managers with daily scientific tasks or projects. In addition, the Scientific Project Manager is responsible for tracking inquiries, projects, action items, deadlines, and organizing all supporting information.

The Scientific Project Manager reports to the Scientific Collaboration Manager and is responsible for the workflow and processes that are critical to the success of NYGC’s collaborations, including our participation in large consortia grants, onboarding of new technology in the production services, and individual disease-area grants. There is the option of having an Associate Scientific Project Manager directly report to this role.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Key Responsibilities

The Scientific Project Manager independently leads 10+ projects and serves as the key point of contact to both internal and external NYGC stakeholders. Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Fielding investigator questions around sample submission and sequencing processes;

• Advising investigators on experimental design, genomics methodologies, and budgeting to achieve project-specific goals;

• Generating and submitting quotes to investigators and coordinating project invoicing with finance;

• Working cross-functionally, particularly with NYGC’s Production Lab and Computational Biology teams, to:

• define project deliverables and monitor progress against timelines, 

• coordinate troubleshooting of sample preparation and sequencing, and 

• assist in planning and delivery of data to NYGC investigators and/or upload to required endpoints or biorepositories;

• Monitoring and managing customer relationships, including: 

• responding to sequencing inquiries, communicating project progress and tracking follow-up action items,

• maintaining strong, open communication lines between NYGC and its investigators; 

• Overseeing the delivery of data to NYGC investigators and providing effective follow-up service and support, e.g. reporting and answering questions;

• Proactively coordinating with the Technology Development lab, LIMS SwEng team, and Production Lab to successfully integrate new technologies into our standard production workflow and services, leading regular meetings and keeping all teams up-to-date via e-mail and Jira communications;

• Working closely, including consistent communication, with the appropriate Scientific Director and any internal and/or external stakeholders to ensure the momentum of large initiatives is maintained and information is clearly shared with stake-holders.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change.

Position Requirements

• Advanced degree in Genetics or related field of study or 10+ years experience in the research sequencing field;

• Strong background in genetics and genomics research, with hands-on experience and a thorough understanding of next-generation sequencing technologies; 

• 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;

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build relationships at all levels;

• Experience working with colleagues of various backgrounds (e.g. software engineering, genome science, and IT) to achieve one’s own goals; 

• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated scientific writing skills;

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with an emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail;

• Ability to efficiently multitask, work under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances and meet deadlines;

• Responsibility for identifying and providing solutions to problems, analyzing data and implementing/troubleshooting solutions;

• A self-directed individual with a demonstrated history of taking initiative and assuming responsibility;

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment. 

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.

• Leader and Manager: Attracts, develops and retains diverse talent to achieve outstanding results; encourages professional development, coaches and regularly communicates expectations and feedback; aligns and inspires efforts toward our mission; translates organizational vision into action; responsibly  utilizes NYGC’s human and financial resources to ensure organizational and financial health; uses good  judgment when making decisions; pushes boundaries and generates new ideas.

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 $100,000-$135,000 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 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. 

Equal Opportunity

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the core mission at the NYGC. 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. 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.

FLSA Status – Exempt

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.