Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Director of the Genomics Core in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Genomics Core is a longstanding, NIH-supported facility that advances the broad scientific goals of Pennington Biomedical Research Center. The Director of the Genomics Core will oversee the comprehensive operation of the core facility while maintaining an independent research program. This oversight includes the fiscal operation of the core, management of staff, and quality control of genomic services, while serving as a strategic leader, spearheading the evaluation and development of novel genomic approaches and actively engaging with faculty to identify emerging research needs and innovative technical solutions that advance Pennington Biomedical's research mission.

Major Responsibilities

• Maintain an active research program that aligns with Pennington Biomedical's research mission in areas related to obesity, metabolism, and/or nutrition.

• Develop and implement new genomic technologies and methodologies to support the evolving needs of Pennington Biomedical researchers. Stay current with advances in the field and evaluate new technologies for potential implementation.

• Interact with faculty and research staff to facilitate Pennington Biomedical's research mission. Such interactions include consulting on experimental design, methodology selection, data quality assessment, and implementation of new genomic technologies.

• Participate in existing and future Center awards, specifically the current NORC & COBRE center grants.

• Maintain and establish collaborative relationships with other core facilities, particularly the Cell Biology and Bioimaging Core and Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Core, to provide integrated, comprehensive genomic services to researchers.

• Broadly oversee the day-to-day operation of the Genomics Core facility. Maintain a working knowledge of all aspects of facility operation and logistics. Regularly review operational protocols and seek to improve efficiency while maintaining high-quality genomic services.

• Oversee quality control programs for all genomic services, including but not limited to DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, sequencing, and preliminary data analysis. Establish and maintain standard operating procedures for all core services.

• Manage Genomics Core staff, including hiring, training, career development, and performance evaluations of employees. Ensure staff maintain technical expertise with evolving genomic technologies.

• Oversee the fiscal operations of the Genomics Core. Prepare annual budget requests, manage service fees, and work with staff on equipment and supply purchases.

• Maintain compliance with institutional and federal regulations regarding genomic research, data management, and biosafety protocols. Ensure proper documentation and tracking of all core services.

• Establish and update plans for both operations and data management in the event of emergencies, ensuring proper backup and recovery procedures for critical samples and data.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Maintain an active research program that touches on areas related to obesity, metabolism, and/or nutrition.

• Have specific experience in both the theoretical and practical/technical methodology necessary to lead a state-of-the-art genomics core facility. Interact with Pennington faculty to enable them to incorporate cutting-edge technology in their research programs.

• Participate in existing and future Center awards, specifically the current NORC & COBRE center grants.

Required Qualifications 

• Ph.D. in a relevant field of study

• Postdoctoral experience

• Established track record of productive research and independent funding