Director of Research (1-year Term)

Department: CSB - Ctr for Syn Bio
Salary/Grade: RES/

Job Summary:

Northwestern University's Center for Synthetic Biology (CSB) is Northwestern University's thought leader in engineering biological systems to address global problems. Comprised of 24 affiliated faculty and more than 275 graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, undergraduate researchers and research and administrative staff, CSB delivers research excellence that spans disciplines on key synthetic biology topics ranging from cell-free systems, mammalian systems, enabling technologies, and ethics and education. Core to CSB's mission is the wide dissemination of these findings-to students, scholars, policymakers, and the public-to maximize the impact of our research and maintain the highest standard of excellence.

CSB is hiring a Research Associate, Director of Research (DOR), who will lead the Center's research operation. The DOR will work with CSB Co-Directors, the Director of Operations, and other CSB staff to help grow the research capacity of the Center, capitalizing on its current strengths and providing strategic direction for new research endeavors and partnerships, continually enhancing the Center's programs and plans to ensure excellence at all levels. Proactively interfacing with the Center's faculty, the DOR manages current and long-term research planning. Working with the CSB Education/Outreach coordinator and trainees, the DOR also helps support and long-term planning in support of the Center's education, research, and outreach missions. The DOR is a key leadership position in the CSB that fosters the internal and collaborative spirit of the Center with alliances both internal and external to the University.

The Director of Research reports to the Northwestern Co-Directors of CSB. The incumbent is responsible for identifying mutual and complimentary interests and expertise at Northwestern, attracting world-class collaborations, and supporting the expansion of federal and corporate sponsored research portfolio in addition to development strategies that will enhance CSB's donor portfolio.

The salary hiring range for this position will be between $110,000 - $120,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Possibility exists for future appointment to Research Assistant Professor

This is full-time 1-year position with the opportunity for renewal based on performance and available funding.

Specific Responsibilities :

• The DOR manages the implementation of CSB's transformation-driven research vision. The DOR will collaborate with CSB's faculty directors to ensure the center's vision, mission and strategic plan for research, education and translation are realized
• With an understanding of all center activities, The DOR will work with CSB staff and faculty leads to support programmatic efforts in education, outreach, events and communications. The DOR will support CSB Workshops, events, outreach opportunities, retreats, curriculum development, website updating, and internal and external communications.
• The DOR leads and maintains a team-science based culture and laboratory operations aligned with both Northwestern's safety and regulatory policies and practices. The DOR is responsible for assisting in the workflow and interface between CSB researchers as well as national and international collaborating researchers. This individual will serve as a critical scientific, programmatic and technical resource.
• The DOR is a key contributor to the development of CSB's annual goals, budget, and science and technology outreach strategy to ensure the Institute remains a vital component of Northwestern's mission and retains measurable impact nationally and internationally.
• The DOR works in partnership with the Director of Operations and Outreach to ensure the appropriate provision of administrative and grant management services to the growing portfolio of CSB-affiliated Centers, Cores and researchers.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Engineering, Sciences or equivalent, experience with federally sponsored grant proposals (such as DoE, DoD, NSF),
• evidence of developing professional and fruitful relationships with research funding entities,
• a demonstrated track record of successfully orchestrating and encouraging faculty members to work together to secure large grants

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability and initiative to work independently on self-directed projects
• Confidence with engaging and collaborating with key opinion leaders in a therapeutic field
• Desire to learn concepts outside of your specific scientific training

Target hiring range for this position will be between $110,000-$120,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

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