The NYS Institute for Basic Research (IBR) George A Jervis Clinic and Specialty Clinical Laboratories (SCL) provide specialized diagnostic testing for individuals with developmental disabilities when a genetic disorder is suspected. The candidate for this position will be expected to initiate the development of new diagnostic genetic testing protocols for individuals with developmental disabilities at the Institute in the research areas complementary to the existing research projects and with the IBR/OPWDD mission. The Researcher Scientist 6 / Geneticist position provides an opportunity to work closely with clinicians and the SCL molecular diagnostic team to provide supervision, research and development, and certification of the testing protocols currently performed by SCL as well as develop and establish new clinical testing protocol for OPWDD served individuals. Candidate will perform and ensure all required Quality Control and/or calibration and validation procedures; supervise all records as per the regulatory requirements; provide consults on all conflicting or out of range results; oversee and act on Competency and Proficiency testing programs, insure periodic/scheduled and as needed maintenance on instrumentation and equipment has undertaken the mission of developing a Genomics Core Facility, with research goals focused on intellectual disability and autism. The individual we seek to hire for this position will have the unique opportunity to play a significant role in the development of this effort. 

MANDATORY QUALIFICATION: MUST HAVE OR BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION TO ACT AS A LABORATORY DIRECTOR IN THE CATEGORY OF GENETIC TESTING

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES not limited to: The prospective candidate will be responsible for supervising and implementing all aspects of clinical genetic testing including preanalytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing. The responsibilities include supervision of personnel involved in accessioning of the clinical and research samples, maintaining daily log and database entrée, performing DNA/RNA extractions from a variety of sample types, performing PCR, Capillary Electrophoresis, Southern Blot, Sanger sequencing, and real-time PCR following the testing protocols. Comply with all regulatory requirements of record keeping, quality control, and quality assurance mandated by NYS DOH and SCL standard operating procedures. The incumbent is expected to:• Contribute to the Institute’s activities and collaborate with other scientists within and outside of the Institute.• Demonstrate sustained high-quality contributions to the mission of the Institute, authoring publications and participation in efforts to secure external funding,• Responsible for all laboratory projects in the design of testing methods, preparative techniques, instrumentation and data processing/analysis, and improvements in quality control assurance.• Supervise Research Scientists assigned to specific projects in all phases of the research process including problem definition, planning, execution, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of findings.• Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies, and supervise documentation of all quality control activities, instruments and procedural calibrations, and maintenance performed.• Enforce compliance with established laboratory’s policies and procedures.• Address and resolve problems that may adversely affect successful task performance and either correct the problems or elevate for effective resolution.

NYS OPWDD IBR provides a professional setting in a world-renowned research facility located on Staten Island, NY, on a wooded, suburban campus with free off-street parking. Attendance at and participation in professional meetings and conferences is encouraged and financially supported, and publication fees in professional journals are supported through the agency budget. Telecommuting work plan is negotiable after some probation period.

MANDATORY QUALIFICATION: Must have or be eligible to apply for a Certificate of Qualification to act as Laboratory Director in the category of Genetic Testing. 

About NYS Institute for Basic Research

Through its five mission focused areas of research encompassing 32 laboratories, the Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (IBR) focuses on the causes of developmental disabilities and furthers the understanding of brain development and pathology. IBR's goals are to provide the means to diagnose, prevent and treat developmental disabilities more effectively. The Institute also provides extensive, specialized biomedical, psychological and laboratory services to people with developmental disabilities and their families, and educates the public, researchers and health and education professionals regarding the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of developmental disabilities. IBR's George A. Jervis Clinic offers specialized diagnostic and consultative services for children, adolescents, and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The Specialty Clinical Laboratories at IBR perform medical laboratory testing for Fragile X syndrome and Kufs disease.

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