Project Coordinator | Vertebrate Genome Laboratory

Organization Overview

Our Vertebrate Genome Laboratory conducts research and services for individual and large vertebrate genome projects such as the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP/G10K) that aims to sequence high-quality genomes for all 66,000 vertebrate species on the planet. https://vertebrategenomesproject.org/.

Overview

The Vertebrate Genome Lab (VGL) is a genomic-focused lab at the Rockefeller University. Our goal is to generate chromosome level genome assemblies of non-model species and humans, for open access use, especially as one hub for the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP). We specialize in long-read and long-range sequencing technologies. Our lab hosts several of the latest sequencing technologies as well as computing resources for genome assemblies. Our team is composed of field biologists, molecular biologists, and bioinformaticians encompassing all the required skills and talents for generating high-quality reference genomes.

The VGL receives hundreds of field and lab collected biological samples a year from a wide range of collaborators/partners. There are strict requirements for these samples to be compatible with our goals.

The Project Coordinator will primarily be responsible for sample management at the VGL. They will be responsible for the end-to-end process of specimen submission. This includes coordinating shipments and maintaining our lab’s biobank of thousands of eukaryotic samples. They will assist in the streamlining and organization of this process as the lab expands. They will be responsible as the point of contact for each genome/project and provide excellent communication with collaborators and internally with VGL members.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• Directly liaise with collaborators across academic labs, non-profits, and industry partners.
• Communicate requirements to collaborators and partners for specimen collection, storage, shipment, and manifest completion.
• Assist with required permits, MTAs, and other relevant documents.
• Facilitate shipment of samples with sample senders and shipping partners.
• Responsible for the sample receiving process, such as verifying samples, prompt ultra-cold storage, biobanking, and notifying senders and relevant VGL team members of the sample status.
• Maintain strong communication with the rest of the lab.
• Answer questions and provide updates to collaborators regarding sample processing, and act as the point of contact for the duration of each genome.
  
  

Qualifications

Requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences with three years of experience in a lab/research environment
• Project management experience
• A commitment of at least two years
• Strong communication skills
• Strong organization skills
• Professionalism and rapport building
• Prompt response times to communication (such as emails)
• Well-organized and proactive
• Good team player
• Knowledge/background in life sciences
  
  

Preferred

• A Master’s degree in Biological Sciences or relevant field
• Life sciences research experience
• Experience with biological specimen collection, storage, and/or processing
• Knowledge of required permits and laws regarding sample shipping/transfer/collection
• Experience with databases for tracking samples and/or projects
• Experience with -80C specimen storage
• Knowledge of sample requirements for genomic projects (especially for long-read technologies)
• Familiarity with LIMS system for project management (such as Trello)
• Interest in genomic research goals and mission of the lab
  
  

The Rockefeller University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the characteristics listed above.

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Compensation Range: Min

USD $66,300.00/Yr.

Compensation Range: Max

USD $70,000.00/Yr.