We are growing! The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) has expanded capacity at a new state-of-the-art preclinical facility located at Momentum Labs in Gainesville, Florida.

We are currently seeking passionate individuals who are eager to contribute to our mission and accelerate drug development by delivering translationally relevant preclinical services. If you're ready to make a difference and be part of a team that's at the forefront of preclinical drug development, JAX is the place for you. Our new facility offers an unparalleled opportunity to work with top-tier scientists, study directors, and researchers in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Join us at JAX and help shape the future of human health.

Learn More Here - https://www.jax.org/florida

JAX Preclinical Services execute mouse in vivo studies for our external customers developing drugs in a variety of areas. The Neurobiology department focusses its services on neurodegeneration, nerves and muscle diseases, epilepsy, and autism spectrum disorders to name a few.

JAX Preclinical Services assist industry and academic researchers in their drug development program, by conducting drug efficacy studies on carefully baselined and validated models. This position will focus on a variety of neurobiology indications including aging, autism spectrum disorder, neurodegeneration in the peripheral and central nervous systems, as well as muscle and heart diseases.

Study Directors are subject matter experts (SMEs) with years of hands-on experience in their field, and ensure that preclinical studies in animal models are executed to the specifications of our clients, with attention to experimental design, data quality, model performance and adherence to a specific scope of work. Study directors have multiple responsibilities in the drug development process, including QC of results for inaccuracies, proactively addressing technical or model-related performance issues, developing and overseeing technical teams and interpreting datasets.

Study directors and Senior Study Directors mentor Project Manager(s) and a team of technicians in a collaborative laboratory environment. In addition, they will ensure accuracy in quoting, revenue forecasting and invoicing of their studies.  As SMEs, Study Directors are responsible for depositing normative data from mouse models (such as disease induction rate, disease progression timeline, etc.) into the public domain via publications and conference presentations, and may assist the Business Development and Marketing Teams in their roles.

The successful applicant for this role will have a proven expertise in modelling ASD, neurodegeneration, or muscle and heart diseases in mouse, developing, teaching and using standardized, recognized behavioral or electrophysiological protocols to phenotype these models, and performing histological or molecular examinations of the nervous system. Previous experience in customer-driven, research services is required for the mid and senior level positions.

To apply, please submit a cover letter with your resume.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Expert-level design, oversight, conduct, interpretation and reporting of in-life drug efficacy studies in a variety of neurological disease mouse models.

• Provide scientific guidance and support to clients, meeting or exceeding their expectations for quality of service, risk mitigation and execution of science. This function includes support to the Business Development team.
• Provide leadership to staff ensuring they have adequate training and mentoring to support the preclinical services drive for scientific quality and operational efficiency ; and consult with staff outside your reporting structure for advice on protocol development.

• Ensure self and staff compliance with all policies, procedures and
practices established by the organization thus ensuring the most efficient
operation of the laboratory to provide clients with the highest quality
scientific service while meeting organizational operations and financial
targets. This includes ERP software data entry and compliance requirements and general lab operations.

• Work with colleagues to establish agreed upon standards
models and protocols performance and ensure these standards are followed unless changes are
well documented and approved by the client. Ensure baseline model
performance data (such as disease induction rate, disease progression
timeline, etc.) are compiled, submitted to the head of operation and Business
Unit Manager, and shared with colleagues.

The salary range is $84,300 - $122,235. Salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

To apply, please submit a cover letter with your resume.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a life science is preferred. MS degree +4 year’s equivalent experience or bachelor’s degree with 8 year’s equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a contract research laboratory, pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, or equivalent experience considered for Study Director level. Applicants with less experience may be considered for an Associate Study Director position. Senior Study Directors must have at least 2 years’ experience at the Study Director level or equivalent experience where preclinical efficacy testing is the primary focus of the position.

• Industry experience in neurobiology and pharmacology is required.
• Knowledge of supervisory processes and techniques of leadership as would normally be acquired through at least 4 years of supervisory or leadership experience is required for Senior Study Directors.
• Experience with in vivo study design and animal research (preferably rodents) required.
• Excellent management/supervisory skills and proven experience with mentoring direct reports.
• Documented ability to develop and lead technical teams.
• Strong leadership skills including a demonstrated ability to build key relationships, influence and
motivate others.
• Demonstrated success in making important decisions, often under some pressure and tight time
deadlines, which carry large financial consequences.
• Must have excellent communication (oral and written), listening, negotiation and relationship skills.
 

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), 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.