Associate Director/Director, Molecular Diagnostics

The Associate Director/Director will be responsible for analysis, interpretation, and reporting of molecular diagnostic tests and screening results such as genome sequencing for Constitutional Genomics, carrier screening, or Oncology assays including MRD. This individual will contribute significantly to new clinical research and assay development and to improving the existing infrastructure of variant filtering and prioritization for clinical reporting. This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to join a state-of-art clinical genomics laboratory and an expanding world-class next-generation genome center. 

Job Responsibilities: 

• Identify, annotate and investigate the clinical significance of genetic variants found in NGS-based molecular assays for undiagnosed genetic diseases, or carrier screening, or tumor sequencing. 

• Interpret and sign out reports for clinical genome sequencing from various research and clinical projects.

• Work closely with the Senior Director/lab leadership to develop and validate new NGS based tests and other translational research projects. Assist in creation of an efficient and scalable infrastructure for a high-volume clinical testing laboratory.

• Co-lead efforts to integrate genome sequencing into medical practice.

• Mentor junior team members.

• Responsible for creation and dissemination of precision medicine knowledge of variant-disease associations in the context of genetic disorders.

• Responsible for improving the existing infrastructure of variant filtering and prioritization used for clinical reporting. 

• Participate in educational activities in the Clinical Laboratory.

• Communicate effectively and be able to explain the test results to the ordering provider and recommend additional testing.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Position Requirements: 

• PhD or MD in biology, genetics, biochemistry, or a related field.

• ABMGG Board certified in Clinical Molecular Genetics and Genomics, or Laboratory Genetics and Genomics, or Board certified in Molecular Genomic Pathology.

• The position may be filled at the Associate Director or Director level, depending on the candidate’s post-board-certification experience directly related to the responsibilities of the role.

• At least 4 years of post-board-certification experience in the interpretation and reporting of Exome or Genome Sequencing data and/or large-scale carrier screening is preferred for candidates at the Associate Director level, and at least 6 years of post-board-certification experience in these areas is preferred for candidates at the Director level

• Prior experience working in a high-volume molecular diagnostic/clinical laboratory.

• Proven track record of hands-on experience in Exome/Genome Sequencing. 

• Experience establishing, validating, and/or analyzing large-scale carrier screening programs is preferred.

• Experience with oncology molecular testing, including minimal residual disease (MRD) testing, is preferred.

• New York State Certificate of Qualification in genetic testing or Oncology Molecular and Cellular Tumor Markers required. 

• ABMGG Board certified required.

• Thrives in a fast-paced, rapidly changing, start-up like environment.

• Experience with genetic variant classification as per ACMG/GlinGen guidelines and/or somatic variant classification as per AMP guidelines; Knowledge of phenotype ontologies.

• Self-motivated and capable of analyzing and solving complex problems through innovative thought and experience.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and organizational skills are essential for this role.

Competencies

• Technical and Professional Skills: Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant for current role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations and delivers on commitments.

• Collaborative & Communicative: Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good judgment as to what to communicate and when to do so.

• Adaptable & Innovative: Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion and curiosity.

• Leader and Manager: Attracts, develops and retains diverse talent to achieve outstanding results; encourages professional development, coaches and regularly communicates expectations and feedback; aligns and inspires efforts toward our mission; translates organizational vision into action; responsibly utilizes NYGC’s human and financial resources to ensure organizational and financial health; uses good judgment when making decisions; pushes boundaries and generates new ideas. 

Salary & Benefits

The pay range for this position is between $177,000-$250,000 per year; the base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, NYGC offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits as well as generous time off. This includes Medical/Dental/Vision for employees &; dependent(s); Vacation, Holidays, Sick, and Other Leave, including a paid winter break; a 401(k) match; Life Insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; employee Tuition Reimbursement; an Employee Assistance Program; and much more.

About the New York Genome Center

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit, academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic research. NYGC scientists and staff are furthering new approaches to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer through their unique capabilities in whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, state-of-the art analytics, and the development of genomic tools. NYGC concentrates specifically on disease-based research in the following areas: neuropsychiatric disease (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar); neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s), and cancer.

Located in Lower Manhattan, the New York Genome Center was founded by and remains closely affiliated with twelve leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region and beyond, engaging in research projects with and for these institutions. Essential to our collaborative work is an outstanding faculty, whose members typically hold a joint appointment at NYGC and a partner university. They support our scientific mission by conducting independent research in areas of mutual interest to us and the wider scientific community.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to fostering a workplace environment that is welcoming and fair to all, ensuring that every employee has the opportunity to thrive. We believe that bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to greater collaboration, innovation, and discovery. Valuing and supporting each employee in reaching their full potential strengthens our organization and enhances our collective success. We recognize that creating an environment where all employees feel valued and included requires sustained effort and dedication from the entire organization.

The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. NYGC takes affirmative action in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment individuals who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

FLSA Status – Exempt

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.