Memphis, TN

About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

The World’s Most Dedicated Never Give Up

There’s a reason St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is consistently ranked on Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Places to Work For” list. Because at our world-class pediatric research hospital, every one of our professionals shares our commitment to make a difference in the lives of the children we serve. There’s a unique bond when you’re part of a team that gives their all to advance the treatments and cures of pediatric catastrophic diseases. The result is a collaborative, positive environment where everyone, regardless of their role, receives the resources, support and encouragement to advance and grow their careers and be the force behind the cures.

Director of Cytogenetics

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we know what can be achieved when the brightest scientific minds face the fewest barriers. That’s why we provide world-class facilities, state-of-the-art technologies, and extraordinary support for your research to ensure scientific progress is never halted from a lack of resources. At St. Jude, you will be part of a collaborative, bench-to-bedside environment where you can see, firsthand, how your science translates into survival for the children we serve.

We are seeking a dynamic Director to lead and direct the Cytogenetics Shared Resource (CSR)with advanced molecular cytogenetics experience. The Director will manage and assist staff in planning, scheduling, and performing cytogenetic analyses and manipulations required to fulfill the Core’s mission. You will maintain extensive knowledge of cytogenetic technologies and emerging applications. In this role you will employ and maintain effective communication with investigators, CSR staff, and other personnel involved in CSR projects and activities. The Director will advise and interact with faculty and other research staff on the management, design, and technical needs of projects serviced by the CSR. The Director will ensure and oversee operations and quality of reagents and services provided by the CSR, as well as develop annual budgets and recommendations for future capital acquisitions.

The Cytogenetic Shared Resource provides a large diversity of cytogenetic services including standard G band karyotyping, spectral karyotyping, FISH analysis, and FISH probe design and development. A wide range of FISH services are offered including DNA FISH, RNA FISH, and all combinations of RNA FISH, DNA FISH, and immunofluorescence protein staining. These types of analysis can be performed sequentially on the exact same cells. This allows for direct visualization of not only gene content but also gene expression and protein translation.

Preferred skills and experiences

Thorough understanding of cytogenetic techniques and analysis.
Experience in G-band karyotyping of human and mouse cells.
Experience in performing Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
Experience in performing Spectral Karyotype (SKY).
Experience in operating and maintaining karyotype/FISH scanner and karyotyping stations
Fully participates in maintaining a positive team environment that is conducive to end-user satisfaction.
Capable problem solver -Applies sensible approaches that reflect an understanding of all relevant factors and demonstrates an anticipation of consequences in arriving at conclusions or decisions.
Demonstrates the adaptability and flexibility to change behaviors and plans to meet rapidly changing/competing job demands. Revises plans to meet changing circumstances.
Follows through in seeing tasks and assignments to conclusion and obtains results. Takes responsibility for actions and plans.
Organizes work and uses time efficiently. Recommends innovative ways of working more efficiently and effectively.
Ability to direct and train other laboratory personnel.
Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
Ability to initiate and conduct experiments with no supervision.
Displays leadership qualities and personal actions that demonstrate ethical values, build trust and positively influence decisions and actions of others.
Displays strong organizational and planning skills that allow self and others to effectively achieve goals.

Displays strong Interpersonal Skills. Develops and maintains rapport with others. Varies approach with others and demonstrates effective listening skills.

1. Manages day-to-day activities of CSR and CSR staff.

Maintains high level of proficiency in current and evolving technologies relevant to CSR goals.
Maintains and updates Standard Operating procedures and databases required for the CSR function.
Ensures staff schedules are developed to optimally meet the Core’s project needs.
Analyzes workflow and determines, recommends, and oversees implementation of methods to increase effectiveness and efficiency of operations.
Ensures preventative maintenance is carried out on all instruments and equipment as required.
Manages inventory control in assigned area and oversees ordering practices.
Assesses and plans for anticipated workload.
Maintains compliance with all federal, state, local, and institutional regulatory standards applicable to service.

2. Supervises laboratory staff.

Coordinates employee orientation and training and ensures continuing staff competence in duties performed.
Ensures that all CSR employees are knowledgeable in current technologies and skills.
Responsible for assigning duties to the technical staff.
Obtains feedback on and evaluates performance of CSR employees.
Counsels and disciplines employees. Seeks advice/consent of supervisor as needed.
Interviews and makes decisions on hiring of new employees.
Creates and promotes a positive work climate and overall team effort of the laboratory.
Conducts and promotes staff continuing education and development through attending and presenting seminars and training sessions, reading articles, and managing special projects.

3. Supervises performance of laboratory activities.

Advises and interacts with faculty and other research staff on the management, design, and technical needs of projects serviced by the CSR.
Responsible for development and execution of CSR activities- G-band karyotyping, Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and Spectral Karyotype (SKY)
Ensures accuracy and timeliness of results.
Reviews problems in reagent and instrument quality control.
Serves as a resource for troubleshooting laboratory problems.
Modifies procedures when necessary.
Reviews and ensures cost recovery through chargebacks in compliance with established institutional guidelines.

4. Monitors quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA), and quality management (QM) activities.

Monitors quality assurance of laboratory functions.
Maintains accurate records and ensures performance of all required quality control procedures.
Resolves quality deficiencies.

5. Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.

6. Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Bachelor's degree is required

Ten (10) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Bachelor's degree.
Eight (8) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Master's degree.
Six (6) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a PhD.
Management experience is required- 2+ years preferred.
American Society of Clinical Pathology certification in cytogenetics CG(ASCP)cm is preferred.

COVID-19 vaccine:

As of September 10, 2021, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for all employees, excluding those with an approved medical or religious accommodation, as a condition of employment.

EEO Statement: St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

No Search Firms:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.