The Jackson Laboratory is seeking an experienced, self-driven and highly motivated neuroscientist to conduct drug efficacy studies and join JAX as a Senior Study Director for in vivo pharmacology services.   The in vivo group works with industry based scientists in their drug development program, by conducting efficacy studies on carefully baselined and validated mouse models for a variety of neurobiology indications including aging, frontotemporal degeneration, ALS, Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases. This position works closely with industry clients on the design and execution of studies,  ensuring  gold-standard scientific procedures, analysis, delivery of data, and final reports.  Study Directors are required to check results for accuracy, technical or model-related performance issues, and interpret datasets for the clients. The successful applicant will implement and manage a scientific team of Project Managers, Research Assistants and Technicians  to drive development strategy and tactical execution for existing therapeutic platforms as well as the validation of new models and platforms.  Expertise in modelling neurodegeneration in mouse models, developing and using standardized, recognized behavioral protocols to phenotype these models, and performing histological examinations of the CNS is required.   In addition, the Study Director will ensure accuracy in budgeting, scheduling and invoicing of the studies. She/He will also be responsible for depositing normative data from mouse models into the public domain via the Mouse Phenome Database, publications and conference presentations, to further the mission of the Jackson Laboratory.

• Provide scientific guidance and support to clients meeting or exceeding their expectations for quality of service and execution of science.
• Provide leadership to staff within your reporting structure ensuring they have adequate training and mentoring to support the in vivo services drive for scientific quality and operational efficiency in support of the labs goals and holding them accountable for the same.
• Ensure staff understand and are compliant with all policies, procedures and practices established by the organization thus ensuring the most efficient operation of the laboratory to provide clients with the highest quality scientific service while meeting organizational operations and financial targets. This includes AXAPTA data entry, LIMS data entry, PPE requirements and general lab operations.
• Work with colleagues to establish agreed standards for our most frequently run studies and ensure these standards are followed unless changes are well documented and approved by the client. Ensure baseline model performance data (such as disease induction rate, disease progression timeline, etc) are compiled, submitted to the head of operation and Business Unit Manager, and shared with colleagues.

• Ph.D. in a life science is preferred. MS degree +4 year’s equivalent experience or bachelor’s degree with 8 year’s equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a contract research laboratory, pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, or equivalent experience considered for Study Director level. Applicants with less experience may be considered for an Associate Study Director position. Senior Study Directors must have at least 2 years’ experience at the Study Director level or equivalent experience where preclinical efficacy testing is the primary focus of the position.
• Knowledge of supervisory processes and techniques of leadership as would normally be acquired through at least 4 years of supervisory or leadership experience is required for Senior Study Directors.
• Experience with in vivo study design and animal research (preferably rodents).
• Excellent management/supervisory skills and proven experience with mentoring direct reports.
• Documented ability to develop and lead technical teams.
• Strong leadership skills including a demonstrated ability to build key relationships, influence and motivate others.
• Demonstrated success in making important decisions, often under some pressure and tight time deadlines, which carry large financial consequences.
• Must have excellent human relation, communication and listening, negotiation and relationship skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,300 employees. Headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, it has a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in Augusta, Maine, a genomic medicine institute in Farmington, Connecticut, and facilities in Ellsworth, Maine, Sacramento, California, and Shanghai, China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

The Jackson Laboratory's 43-acre scenic Bar Harbor campus is nestled between the Gulf of Maine and the mountains of Acadia National Park. Some of the best hiking and biking in the world (over 50 square miles of mountains, lakes, views, and dramatic coastline) is accessible from our campus. We are one mile from downtown Bar Harbor, which offers a vibrant downtown district with a plethora of restaurants, shops, museums, and galleries.

JAX employees work in a collaborative, value-driven, and team-based environment where the focus is on advancing science and improving patients’ lives. Researchers apply genetics to increase the understanding of human disease and advance treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging, and heart disease. JAX was voted among the top 15 “Best Places to Work in Academia” in the United States in a poll conducted by The Scientist magazine!

Our Values:

INTEGRITY - Courage and commitment to do what is right

PEOPLE - Inspiring our people to enhance the health of all

ONE TEAM - Unified by our promise to transform medicine and science

EXCELLENCE - Achieving world-class results

INNOVATION - Leading with discovery and creative solutions

STEWARDSHIP - Caring for and enhancing the resources entrusted to us

What do we have to offer?

JAX offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, including a medical plan, outstanding retirement plan, generous paid time off, and tuition reimbursement including an MBA program. Our campus offers a fitness center with an award-winning wellness program, an onsite full service cafeteria, and a fully operational primary care facility available to employees and their families.

Most importantly, every position contributes to JAX’s mission of discovering precise genomic solutions for human disease and empowering the global biomedical community in our shared quest to improve human health.

Employment will require successful completion of references, background check, and a pre-employment physical.

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.

Learn more about career opportunities at JAX: http://www.jax.org/careers.