At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we are pioneering interdisciplinary approaches to accelerate biomedical and clinical discoveries. The new Department of Imaging Sciences will bring new faculty to St Jude who develop and apply state-of-the-art quantitative imaging, measurement and analytical technologies. In addition to faculty labs, the department will establish crucial new core resources at St Jude, including a state-of-the-art core for fabrication and instrumentation, for which we are seeking an experienced Fabrication Core Director - Imaging Sciences. This director role will have the opportunity to vision, build and run a fully equipped core facility that will help researchers in broad aspects of design and fabrication, from machining and 3D printing, to development and support of electrical, mechanical or robotic systems. Prior experience in imaging and / or microscopy technologies, biomedical analytical methods, microfluidics or related technologies would be highly valued. Experience in commercial strategy, productization, design documentation, manufacturing and regulatory considerations are also highly desirable and will foster strong collaborations with the department’s other cores and planned technology dissemination activities.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Fabrication Core Director - Imaging Sciences for fabrication and instrumentation will work with department leadership and personnel to plan and build a departmental core facility that will meet the needs of imaging science innovators across St Jude. In addition to broad expertise in cutting edge fabrication and instrumentation methods, the director must have strong leadership skills, project management expertise and experience recruiting and managing a team of 2-4 direct reports who will provide the core with the broadest possible scope of specialized expertise. The Director will be responsible for establishing and managing a sustainable operational and financial model for the core and maintaining day-to-day oversight of core operations to ensure efficiency, productivity and continued innovation. Core activities will go beyond service-based tasks, and incorporate teaching and training for users and staff, formation of collaborative interdisciplinary teams for large projects, and will actively encourage disruptive problem solving and visionary thinking. We are seeking a director who will innovate on every aspect of how to establish and run a core that fosters and accelerates the growth of creativity, design and innovation across St Jude.

MINIMUM EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant scientific discipline is required.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

• 10+ years of experience in relevant technical field (industry or academia) is required.
• 8+ years of experience in relevant technical field is required with a Master’s degree.
• 5+ years of experience in relevant technical field is required with a PHD.
• Significant experience in a research functional area with experience managing mid-large teams in a leadership capacity with focus on both achievement of objectives as well as critical skill-building preferred.
• Experience having led large-scale projects/processes through to implementation preferred.
• Experience with operational mgmt., budget planning, & stakeholder and resource management preferred.
• Prior experience in building external connections with peers, emerging technology communities, and expert networks preferred.
• Experience driving research objectives across area through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders preferred.
• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role.

• Work with department leadership and institutional stakeholders and experts to plan, build and run a state of the art new fabrication and instrumentation core that will be responsive to the needs of St Jude’s new Department of Imaging Sciences.
• Develop a sustainable financial plan and operational structure for the core including the gradual hire of 2-4 additional staff to add specific expertise. Recruit, train and manage staff aligned with evolving departmental and institutional needs.
• Work with design and construction teams to scope and oversee space renovations for the core, in collaboration with departmental experts on operations and finance. Consider factors such as noise, dust, fumes and cross-contamination when meeting needs for project consultation space, or clean-room, aseptic or non-magnetic manufacturing. Ensure project is kept on scope and in budget and completed on schedule.
• Scope out major equipment purchases and work with vendors and departmental finance managers to organize ordering, installation, servicing, warranty coverage and training related to new purchases.
• Through continued training and interactions with peers, maintain up to date knowledge on state-of-the-art fabrication and instrumentation techniques and opportunities. Innovate and adapt core models based on the availability of new materials, methods or services that could change the scope of what the core should do in-house. Maintain communication with wider cores and departments across the campus to reduce redundancy and maximize shared knowledge and expertise.
• Once established, provide daily oversight to core activities, including contributing your own expertise to projects. Maintain responsibility for budget planning and review. Continually maintain communication with stakeholders to ensure that the core is meeting departmental and institutional needs in an effective way.
• Collaborate closely and respectfully with St Jude personnel at all levels including cross-functional leadership, departmental/institutional shared resources, partner laboratories, and partner/vendor organizations, to optimize efficiency, productivity and foster innovation.
• Collaborate with the Department Chair and other leadership to manage team processes, including hiring, goal setting, performance evaluation, training and development, and engagement.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the department and institute, ensuring that team members have the support and resources they need to succeed.