Senior Staff Scientist (Fetal Surgery) Lillegard

Fetal Surgery is looking for an accomplished and experienced fetal surgery researcher to support the research enterprise of incoming Chief of Fetal Surgery's research program.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct Research/Lab Administration - Initiates, directs and executes scientific research pertaining to a specific field of study. Investigates the feasibility of applying a variety of scientific principles and concepts to solve problems. Works on complex problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors, applying expertise and broad knowledge of principles, theories, and standard scientific/research protocols. Creates formal networks with key decision makers. Uses professional concepts in accordance with objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways. Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Responsible for lab administration (IRB/IACCUC/biosafety). May oversee divisional or institutional core facilities, managing and/or providing training for instrumentation. Research and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques. Design and perform experiments and record data according to research protocol. Independently reproduce, evaluate, research, and improve techniques currently used. Adapt new methods to existing procedures and modify current experiments through scientific knowledge and intuition.

• Publish - Draft, write and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles and abstracts. Present at local, national and international scientific meetings. Consistently Partners with PI to review papers for journals. Achieved at least one first authorship paper in addition to operating as the lab leader. Has multiple first or co-senior author paper and 1 or more Co-authorships. A researcher of this distinction demonstrated continued productivity with multiple publications (minimum 10), this is not a threshold but an example of the numerous publications that a conversation can begin to be considered for the role; impact on papers matter.

• Grant Management/Financial Management - Lead and increased contribution to grant writing and applications. Co-Investigator on grants. Assist in preparing, writing, and maintaining fiscal budget. Monitor expenditures and prepare capital expenditure requests. Prepare, approve, and initiate check requests; track funding, maintain accurate balance and resolve any discrepancies.

• Leadership - Supervise junior lab members and trainees and may have direct reports. Serves as the contact for resolution of complex issues, provide education, guidance and work direction. May provide input and feedback to managers on hiring decisions, professional development and performance management. Lead research programs or research teams within a lab and serve as leaders of divisional cores. Interface with various departments and serves as expert to line of research. Initiate and lead teaching and providing lectures and lab class. Advises PI and other stakeholders as needed.

• Teamwork - Train and supervise the work of other laboratory personnel as appropriate. Maintain an integral role in the laboratory's meetings, presentations and publications. Present information on research and laboratory work to others at laboratory meetings, journal clubs and seminars. Demonstrate attendance and punctuality, ability to work independently & display initiative and dedication.

• Research Standards - Maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments. Develop, set-up and verify new procedures in the laboratory. Standardize and establish new published procedures; evaluate innovative techniques. Develop new assays and new protocols; design formats. Discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Director and provide useful recommendations and analysis. Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment. Maintain and repair equipment; monitor proper use by personnel. Maintain optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks. Demonstrate performance at work, consistency in carrying out instructions, accuracy & attention to detail, achieving expected results & continuous improvement.

 

Acts independently with limited supervision to determine methods and procedures on new assignments. Proven ability to understand and execute on difficult concepts. Consistent or increasing trajectory of accomplishment in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought. Productivity as measured by continued Authorship on papers (i.e., lab, field of research and paper impact) ¿ first authorship is weighted more heavily, or co-senior or co-corresponding. Co-Investigator or writing own grant applications, writing majority of grant application with PI guidance and co-leaders. Contributing as an investigator on the grant. Increased responsibility in division and lab management, leadership within the lab, divisional responsibility. Makes important contributions to scientific literature and conferences.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD or MD

• 12+ years (after PhD or MD) of work experience in a similar job or discipline.

 

Primary Location

Location R

 

Schedule

Full time

 

Shift

Day (United States of America)

 

Department

Pediatric Surgery

 

Employee Status

Regular

 

FTE

1

 

Weekly Hours

40

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s. 

 Cincinnati Children's is: 

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10  best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years 

• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding 

• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers  (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025) 

• One of the nation's America’s Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune 

• Consistently certified as great place to work 

• A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability 

• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) 

 We Embrace Innovation—Together.  We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability