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Research at GTP requires knowledge of multiple scientific disciplines including molecular and cell biology, protein biochemistry, virology, immunology,bioinformatics, and biotechnology. Our major goals are to increase scientific knowledge in gene therapy field through the use of experiments, and help develop new life-saving treatments. Research performed at GTP includes basic research, development of platform technologies, development of the vector manufacturing methods, and pre-clinical research. Translational research is carried out using cell and animal models. The GTP Program for Comparative Medicine (PCM) is central to the GTP mission and is instrumental for the in life phase of the assessment of gene therapeutics prior to human application.

Reporting to the Senior Director (SD), Program for Comparative Medicine (PCM), the Associate Director, Rodent Research has overall responsibility for managing all R&D activities conducted by the PCM rodent program. The Associate Director, Rodent Research is responsible for the oversight of scheduling and coordination of work schedules, oversight of the management of the in-life phase of gene therapy research studies involving rodents, and the management of regulatory submissions and resource management. The Associate Director develops strategy for PCM-rodent program-related project support. The Associate Director, Rodent Research provides oversight and input for an integrated, cross-functional Core timeline (master schedule for in vivo project support) to identify and communicate interdependencies and critical path activities, across the Cores and Research Teams. The Associate Director, Rodent Research proactively identifies and prioritizes Core opportunities and risks; develops and monitors action and mitigation plans across all Research Teams; works with SD to effectively communicate risk analysis and make recommendations to the Project Management team. The Director works with the SD to ensure that PCM-rodent program effectively manages the budget and ensure financial and resource implications of decisions, risks, and opportunities are fully understood to better inform prioritization and decision making.

The Associate Director will manage a team of up to 10 support staff involved in the breeding, care, and animal model development of rodent models and training of staff used in biomedical research programs. The Associate Director will also assist in ensuring regulatory compliance and documentation preparation required for Good Laboratory Practices and satellite facilities operated by the Gene Therapy Program.

The minimum of a Master’s Degree in Life Science field or Laboratory Animal Medicine and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Minimum of 5 years experience with animal model development and colony management of genetically engineered rodents (mice and rats); additional experience with guinea pigs and rabbits desired. Proven ability to manage a multi-disciplinary team Desired, but not necessary, experience in management of studies performed under Good Laboratory Practices (21 CFR Part 58)

Proven ability to balance the strategic needs of the program with tactical day to day activities

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate others, influence without authority, and negotiate conflict situations

Outstanding communication, analytical, and organizational skills

Highly collaborative team player who fosters open communication and facilitates mutual understanding and cooperation between all stakeholders

Proven knowledge of care, use and regulations pertaining to the use of animal models for biomedical research is strongly desired

Proven ability to balance conflicting priorities across multiple programs, and to make sound recommendations for the trade-offs between resources to achieve organizational objectives

Experience creating and managing integrated timelines and budgets

Self-directed individual who is able to work with limited direction in a fast-paced environment

Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities under tight deadlines

Ability to effectively manage diverse cross-functional teams in a matrix organizational structure

Strong written and verbal communication skills

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