The Single Cell Sequencing and Spatial Transcriptomics Core Facility is a state-of-the-art facility offering instrumentation access, training and technical expertise to researchers at UIC. Serving as a technical expert and functional leader, the Core Director will have responsibility for oversight and execution of a full range of duties supporting the core facility operations, providing training and image analysis; spatial transcriptomics as well as single cell genomics and transcriptomics support to researchers, facilitating experiential learning, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment, interfacing with vendors and working with faculty members on grant proposals to expand the single cell analytical capabilities at UIC.
Duties & Responsibilities

Core Facility Management

• Provide leadership and vision to adhere to core facility best practices including daily facility operations, data acquisition and analysis, data management, standard operating procedures (SOP’s), training and education, quality assurance, lab safety, and staffing to ensure proper scientific procedures and systems are implemented and followed by core users and staff.
• Review and evolve core facility services in response to UIC researcher needs and develop/implement intermediate and long-term solutions. Ensure department timelines are maintained, and that benchmarks and milestones are met in a timely manner.
• Responsible for financial activities including monthly billing (internal and external, and development and oversight of core facility budget and recharge rates).
• Collaborate with other core directors to integrate and implement single cell pipelines within the RRC.

Research Support

• Work in partnership with UIC researchers to conduct single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) experiments, including sample preparation, cell encapsulation, quality control of DNA/RNA preps and libraries and sequencing.
• Lead staff and perform assays on tissue using spatial transcriptomics methods, including Visium and Xenium platforms.
• Provide input for improvements on the protocols. Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for single cell sequencing protocols and best practices.
• Stay abreast of the fast-evolving field of single cell and spatial multi-omic methods and ensure availability to researchers.
• Collaborate with the sequencing, genomics bioinformatics, flow cytometry and histology core directors to accomplish research, optimize workflows and develop new services.
• Develop and implement best practices for data retention, transfer, analysis, and storage.
• Collaborate with researchers to design and optimize single cell sequencing experiments tailored to specific research goals.
• Maintain and operate state-of-the-art sequencing equipment and instrumentation.
• Provide training and technical guidance to core users, ensuring proper utilization of equipment and adherence to best practices.
• Develop and administer teaching/training seminars & workshops pertinent to current or potential core research.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises employees within the Single Cell Sequencing core facility.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Biophysics or other related fields. Experience in single cell sequencing methodologies, preferably with a strong publication record in the field.
• Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills in establishing and running a core facility.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with researchers of diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in single cell sequencing methodologies, preferably with a strong publication record in the field.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of modern molecular biology and/or chemistry tools required, including next-generation sequencing methods; single-cell and spatial genomics.
• Strong research, problem solving, and communication skills (both written and oral) required, coupled with a strong attention to detail and scientific curiosity.
  Preferred Qualifications
• Proficiency in bioinformatics and data analysis related to single-cell genomics.
Experience working with the 10X Genomics Xenium and Visium platforms.

APPLICATION: To ensure fullest consideration, application materials must be received by May 17, 2024 . Start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is commensurate with experience and education. All candidates must create a candidate profile through http://jobs.uic.edu and upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references by the close date.

Interested candidates must apply directly on the UIC job board at:

https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/8641?c=uic

As an EOE/AA employer, the University of Illinois encourages applications from individuals regardless of an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, and Veteran or disability status.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit: https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899