Assistant Director / Associate Director / Director, Molecular Diagnostics

The position may be filled at the Assistant Director, Associate Director, or Director level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and relevant post-board-certification experience.

The Assistant Director/Associate Director/Director will be responsible for the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of molecular diagnostic and screening tests, including clinical genome sequencing, carrier screening, and oncology assays such as minimal residual disease (MRD) testing. This individual will also contribute to clinical assay development, translational research, and optimization of variant filtering and prioritization workflows. This is an exciting opportunity to join a state-of-the-art clinical genomics laboratory within an expanding, world-class genomics center.

Job Responsibilities:

• Identify, annotate, and assess the clinical significance of genetic variants detected by NGS-based assays for rare genetic diseases, carrier screening, and tumor sequencing.
• Interpret clinical genome sequencing results and, as permitted by credentials and role level, sign out clinical reports.
• Work closely with the Sr. Director/laboratory leadership to develop and validate new NGS-based tests and support translational research projects. Contribute to efficient, scalable workflows for a high-volume clinical testing laboratory.
• Lead or contribute to efforts to integrate genome sequencing into medical practice, commensurate with role level.
• Mentor junior team members.
• Contribute to the development and dissemination of precision-medicine knowledge related to variant-disease associations.
• Improve variant filtering and prioritization workflows used for clinical reporting.
• Participate in educational activities in the Clinical Laboratory.
• Communicate test results clearly to ordering providers and recommend additional testing when appropriate.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Position Requirements:

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in biology, genetics, biochemistry, or a related field.
• ABMGG board Certification in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics (LGG) or Clinical Molecular Genetics is required.
• The position may be filled at the Assistant Director, Associate Director, or Director level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and relevant post-board-certification experience.
• For the Assistant Director level, ABMGG board certification with 1-2 years of experience in a clinical molecular diagnostics laboratory is required.
• At least 4 years of relevant post-board-certification experience is required for the Associate Director level, and at least 6 years is required for the Director level. Relevant experience should include interpretation and reporting of clinical exome/genome sequencing and/or large-scale carrier screening.
• Experience working in a high-volume molecular diagnostics laboratory is preferred.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with clinical exome and/or genome sequencing.
• Experience establishing, validating, and/or analyzing large-scale carrier screening programs is preferred.
• Experience with oncology molecular testing, including minimal residual disease (MRD) testing, is preferred.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing, start-up-like environment.
• Experience with germline variant classification using ACMG/AMP criteria and ClinGen recommendations and/or somatic variant interpretation using AMP guidelines; familiarity with phenotype ontologies.
• Self-motivated, with demonstrated ability to analyze and solve complex problems using sound judgment and innovative thinking.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills are essential for this role.

Competencies

• Technical and Professional Skills : Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant for current role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations and delivers on commitments.
• Collaborative & Communicative : Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good judgment as to what to communicate and when to do so.
• Adaptable & Innovative : Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion and curiosity.
• Leader and Manager : Attracts, develops and retains diverse talent to achieve outstanding results; encourages professional development, coaches and regularly communicates expectations and feedback; aligns and inspires efforts toward our mission; translates organizational vision into action; responsibly utilizes NYGC’s human and financial resources to ensure organizational and financial health; uses good judgment when making decisions; pushes boundaries and generates new ideas.

Salary & Benefits

The pay range for this position is between $141,000-$250,000 per year. The salary offered will depend on the level of appointment (Assistant Director, Associate Director, or Director) and the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, NYGC offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits as well as generous time off. This includes Medical/Dental/Vision for employees &; dependent(s); Vacation, Holidays, Sick, and Other Leave, including a paid winter break; a 401(k) match; Life Insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; employee Tuition Reimbursement; an Employee Assistance Program; and much more.

About the New York Genome Center

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit, academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic research. NYGC scientists and staff are furthering new approaches to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer through their unique capabilities in whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, state-of-the art analytics, and the development of genomic tools. NYGC concentrates specifically on disease-based research in the following areas: neuropsychiatric disease (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar); neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s), and cancer.

Located in Lower Manhattan, the New York Genome Center was founded by and remains closely affiliated with twelve leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region and beyond, engaging in research projects with and for these institutions. Essential to our collaborative work is an outstanding faculty, whose members typically hold a joint appointment at NYGC and a partner university. They support our scientific mission by conducting independent research in areas of mutual interest to us and the wider scientific community.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to fostering a workplace environment that is welcoming and fair to all, ensuring that every employee has the opportunity to thrive. We believe that bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to greater collaboration, innovation, and discovery. Valuing and supporting each employee in reaching their full potential strengthens our organization and enhances our collective success. We recognize that creating an environment where all employees feel valued and included requires sustained effort and dedication from the entire organization.

The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. NYGC takes affirmative action in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment individuals who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

FLSA Status – Exempt

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.