Lead, Senior Staff Scientist

Date: Jun ‎7, ‎2022
Location: Saudi Arabia
Company: King Abdullah University of Science & Technology
Job Purpose

The lead of the NGS, FACS and single cell genomics team at the Bioscience Core
Lab (BCL) oversees the daily operations of the functional areas that the team
is covering. The scientist in this role provides guidance and supervision to
the team in managing operations, projects and platforms/assets. The role
covers responsibilities on directing, coaching and mentoring technicians and
scientists to achieve organizational goals, as well as developing cutting-edge
methods and applications to push the boundaries of life science research and
technologies. The lead will also be working closely with other BCL team
members, users and PIs, external users, other Core Labs, procurement and
logistics teams, vendors and local distributors among others.

Major Accountabilities

• Lead and develop a team of scientists and technical specialists to deliver omics technologies and to conduct routine and customized research analysis, lab procedures and run instruments with minimal supervision.


• Ensure efficient daily operations and provide effective solutions to maximize productivity and impact


• Lead identification, development, implementation, and assessment of new protocols and technologies. Stay up to date on the most advanced techniques and methodologies and share knowledge with other team members.


• Demonstrate independence and critical thinking in designing, executing and troubleshooting experiments and delivering excellent quality data. Interpret data collected in the context of a scientific project or sequencing service, suggest possible next steps and make data-driven decisions.


• Provide guidance and contribute in experimental design and data analysis to address complex scientific problems independently or in collaboration with other scientists.


• Provide deep technical knowledge on advanced and complex topics including customer issues, workflow optimization and improvement of assays and processes. Provide advice to users and PIs on scientific topics and effective utilization of lab resources.


• Oversee SOPs, WIs, and other documentation. Show excellence in documentation practice.


• Take responsibility and ownership for tasks (e.g. plan, perform and oversee preventative and corrective maintenance, trouble-shoot and maintain equipment, purchase consumables, meet budget targets, etc.).


• Proactively perform or assign general laboratory duties, administrative- and service-related tasks, procurement work, etc. Contribute to and maintain a positive work environment. Proactively pre-empt issues.


• Liaise with vendors, scientific peers and other stakeholders in the best interest of BCL.


• Perform other applicable tasks and duties assigned within the realm of the employee's knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of his/her position.

Person Requirements

Competencies

• Excellent leadership and people-managing skills.


• Demonstrated expertise, technical proficiency and deep understanding in omics technologies, molecular biology, biochemistry and genomics. Working experience in NGS is a must. Sound knowledge on FACS. Bioinformatics ability is a plus.


• Ability to lead and contribute to the development and optimization of advanced lab methodologies to address advanced scientific questions and achieve organizational goals.


• Strong scientific and technical problem-solving skills and independent thinking.


• Track record of high-quality publications in scientific journals.


• Ability to lead and motivate a team and make operational decisions independently with minimal supervision.


• Solid knowledge and ability to supervise laboratory users to ensure good lab practice and adherence to safety procedure, SOPs, WIs and other documentations.


• Experience with budgeting, cost estimations for projects and annual forecasts.


• Be reliable and responsible. Take ownership of tasks to ensure full completion to required standard with minimal errors and supervision.


• Is meticulous, dynamic and resilient, with proactive personality and positive, growth mindset (scientific curiosity and desire to better oneself). Always look for improvements.


• Good organizational skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Excel in documentation.


• Ability to work in a team and collaborate with others (open and sharing). Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.

Qualifications

PhD degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, biochemistry or
similar field.

Experience

At least ‎5 years experience with genomics sequencing methods (spanning DNA/RNA
extraction through sample analysis) preferable.

Demonstrated experience and knowledge in NGS technologies and method
development essential. Understanding of FACS principles and applications.

Experienced and comfortable working with different cultures in an
international and multi-disciplinary environment essential.