Study Director, Rare Disease Translational Center

Job Summary

Rare diseases affect millions of people, yet most have no approved treatments. The Rare Disease Translational Center (RDTC) at The Jackson Laboratory is working to change that by building clinically relevant mouse models and using them to test the therapies that could reach patients next, including emerging approaches such as gene therapy and RNA-based treatments. We’re looking for a motivated, detail-oriented full-time Study Director to join our team in Bar Harbor, Maine.

The Rare Disease Translational Center supports the overall mission of The Jackson Laboratory: To discover precise genomic solution for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. The RDTC works directly with foundations and their associated teams of basic and clinical researchers to generate custom mouse and cell based/in vitro models with clinical mutations to treat and cure rare diseases. This position is an exciting opportunity to work directly with the Center in supporting this mission.

The Study Director holds a pivotal role in the planning, execution, and oversight of scientific studies within a research or laboratory setting. Responsible for leading multidisciplinary teams, the Study Director ensures the successful completion of research projects in compliance with regulatory standards and client requirements. This position demands strong leadership, project management, and scientific expertise to drive the delivery of high-quality data and achieve project objectives.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Support characterization and validation of new and existing mouse models to increase their utility to the scientific community. 

• Evaluate potential therapeutics, including gene therapies, ASO and small molecules for their clinical use 

• Hands-on development of clinically relevant molecular biology and biomarker analysis technologies for rare diseases 

• Support collaborative opportunities for new resource development with both internal and external scientists and organizations. 

• Manage a multi-project portfolio, publish key results, manage budgets and provide progress reports. Attend scientific meetings when needed. 

• Providing leadership to staff via direct management responsibilities for a team Research Assistants, Project Managers and Molecualr Biology Specialists. 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Ph.D. in Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related field, and extensive experience in mouse physiology and working with mice. Post-doctorate experience and an understanding of transgenic and genome editing technologies preferred. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead, direct, train and mentor teams required 

• Positive attitude and professional manner in all interactions; demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development 

• Demonstrated ability to support staff to thrive on change and keep pace with a fast paced, dynamic work environment which is externally focused 

• Evidence of strong scientific productivity that would be demonstrated by publication in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. 

• Ability to work with people across departments and gain their cooperation and commitment to projects with demanding deadlines 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills 

• Excellent organizational skills to track multiple inputs and maintain current drafts, arrange appropriate reviews, bring project to close in a timely manner to meet deadlines. 

Pay Range: $90,384 - $131,057, salary is determined by experience and internal equity.

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California, New York, Florida), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org​​​​​​​.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.