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Scientific Director, Research at Nemours in Wilmington, DE
Job Description
Scientific Director, Research
Location: Wilmington, DE, United States
Nemours Children's Health is seeking an innovative and collaborative PhD-level Research Scientist to join the Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP) and serve as Scientific Director.
This position will provide scientific leadership and consultation to investigators across Nemours and collaborating institutions by supporting study development, experimental design, grant applications, molecular assay development, and translational research initiatives.
The successful candidate will serve as a key scientific partner to principal investigators, clinicians, physician-scientists, and research teams, helping transform research questions into rigorous, fundable, and executable projects. The position will leverage the extensive capabilities of BMAP, including biobanking, molecular biology, genomics, next-generation sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and DNA methylation technologies to support cutting-edge pediatric research and precision medicine initiatives.
In addition, this individual will function as the Technical Supervisor for the Nemours Genomics Laboratory (NGL), overseeing implementation, validation, quality management, and regulatory compliance for current and future next-generation sequencing assays and other molecular diagnostic tests.
This position offers a unique opportunity to build and expand an integrated pediatric genomics and translational research program within a nationally recognized children's health system. The successful candidate will work alongside investigators across multiple specialties while helping shape the future of precision medicine, molecular diagnostics, and pediatric genomics at Nemours Children's Health.
Primary Responsibilities
Scientific Collaboration and Research Development
- Partner with principal investigators, clinicians, and research teams throughout Nemours (pathology, oncology, genomics, bioinformatics, and translational science teams) to develop multidisciplinary collaborations and innovative research programs utilizing BMAP core resources.
- Provide expert consultation on experimental design, study feasibility, sample requirements, statistical considerations, technology selection, and biomarker development on initiative of importance to the program.
- Assist investigators with development of grant applications, preliminary data generation, scientific manuscripts, and collaborative research proposals for investigators utilizing the program.
- Identify emerging molecular technologies and incorporate them into BMAP program.
- Support investigators in utilizing BMAP resources to maximize scientific productivity and successful funding outcomes.
Genomics and Molecular Biology Leadership
Provide expertise in:
- DNA and RNA based next generation sequencing (Illumina platform)
- Targeted sequencing panels
- Whole exome and transcriptome applications
- Single-cell genomics technologies (10x Genomics)
- Spatial transcriptomics and spatial biology applications (10x Genomics)
- DNA methylation profiling and epigenetic studies
- Gene expression analysis
- Digital PCR
- Genotyping and SNP analysis
- Cell line authentication
- Biomarker discovery and validation
- Clinical and translational genomics
Technical Supervisor, Nemours Genomics Laboratory
- Serve as Technical Supervisor for CAP/CLIA-regulated molecular diagnostic testing.
- Lead development, validation, verification, and implementation of molecular diagnostic assays.
- Support launch and ongoing oversight of NGS-based clinical testing within the Nemours Genomics Laboratory.
- Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, quality systems, and validation plans.
- Ensure compliance with CAP, CLIA, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Participate in proficiency testing, quality assurance, quality management, and inspection readiness activities.
- Provide technical oversight for troubleshooting, assay optimization, and workflow improvements.
- Work closely with laboratory leadership, pathologists, technologists, and bioinformatics personnel to expand the test menu.
Biobank and Translational Research Infrastructure
- Provide oversight of BMAP CAP-accredited pediatric biorepository including QMS program, re-accreditation processes, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Provide oversight of all biospecimen processing and storage processes.
- Develop and maintain all laboratory processes and procedures at a level of CAP accreditation requirements.
- Participate in competency testing, quality assurance, quality management and inspection readiness activities.
Required Qualifications
- Master Degree required, PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Cancer Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Pathology, or related discipline strongly preferred
- Minimum 5 years of postdoctoral, academic, industry, or translational research experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology and genomics technologies.
- Experience designing and leading collaborative research projects.
- Experience with next-generation sequencing workflows and assay development.
- Strong scientific publication and grant support record.
- Excellent communication and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor investigators, trainees, and laboratory personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience serving in a technical leadership or supervisory role within a molecular laboratory.
- Knowledge of CAP, CLIA, and molecular diagnostic regulatory requirements.
- Experience with laboratory test validation and quality management programs.
- Experience with spatial transcriptomics and spatial biology technologies.
- Experience with DNA methylation arrays and epigenetic analysis.
- Familiarity with pediatric oncology, rare diseases, precision medicine, or translational research.
- Experience working in a CAP and/or CLIA regulated environment.
- Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines and genomic data interpretation.
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