Staff Project Scientist - 120809

The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments within the School of Medicine with approximately 250 Faculty, 127 postdoctoral fellows (both MDs and PhDs) along with over 320 support staff (not including hospital staff). In addition, the Department has 68 clinical residents distributed across the Divisions. The missions of research, education and patient care are intertwined, and are integral to the goals of the department.

The Department manages a university-affiliated children's health system with the physicians and leadership of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Rady Children's Hospital, and Rady Children's Specialists of San Diego, a Medical Practice Foundation, unifying pediatric patient care, research, education and community service programs.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator or in collaboration with academic supervisors, incumbent takes charge of the execution of projects or major portions of research projects. Incumbent ensures the successful progress of ongoing projects and experiments through oversight of lab members. This involves the planning, assigning and directing the work of other lab members including staff research associates. It also involves training of new hires. The incumbent takes complete control of the execution of laboratory phases of major project and makes significant independent and innovative contributions to the successful prosecution of projects in the lab.

Incumbent is responsible for designing and optimizing brain tissues/organoids for single-cell genomics and functional validation.

• Advanced theoretical knowledge of machine learning, computational biology, and omics as typically attained by a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Proven expertise in analyzing research projects, gather and evaluate data, determine solutions and provide recommendations.

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills. Experience in conducting presentations, drafting professional, scientific manuscripts, independently preparing summary reports regarding data quality.

• Proven ability to consult with and advise PI and Co-PI's on the development of new research projects and develop publication opportunities using existing data.

• Exceptional organizational, problem-solving skills, analytical skills, and long-range planning skills with meticulous attention to detail, ability to identify future contingencies, and the ability to effectively prioritize workload and meet required deadlines despite frequent interruptions and competing demands.

• Advanced knowledge data analysis protocols, data gathering, protocol design, and evaluation. Ability to present scientific research to a scientific/regulatory body, and make recommendations for altering research and/or scientific protocol(s) based on findings or concerns of safety oversight agencies.

• Proven ability to design analyses, develop and/or adapt methodological approaches needed for research projects, ability to provide significant innovative contributions and ideas.

• Proven experience in managing research projects including monitoring milestones, pitfalls, troubleshooting techniques and course corrections.

• PhD in biological sciences, computer sciences, or bioengineering.
• Experience in preparation of grant applications including writing research as gathered from data collection.
• Experience in supervising, directing and training of lab personnel.
• Advanced knowledge in the use of MAC and Windows platforms: (e.g., Excel, Prism, SPSS, Adobe, Word, Endnote, Power Point, R etc.).

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekend days, as required.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.