University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Profile Title

Director E

Job Description Summary

The Gene Therapy Program (GTP) is entering a new era of unprecedented growth and opportunity with great potential to reshape the face of medicine as we know it. Our discoveries have already set the stage for successful treatments and possibly even cures for devastating genetic diseases, once considered incurable.

The GTP of the University of Pennsylvania, is headed by Dr. Jim Wilson, a leader in the development of innovative vector technology for close to three decades. The GTP has emerged as the ‘go-to’ organization for public and private partners, who want to participate in the gene therapy space. Currently, we are positioned to lead another round of vector innovation and establish pre-clinical and clinical proof-of-concept in therapeutic applications of in-vivo genome editing.

Job Description

The Executive Director of Research Operations will be responsible for ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness of research laboratories for the Penn Gene Therapy Program. In this role, the Executive Director will lead day to day management of the research lab infrastructure and serve as primary liaison with other internal and external operational groups, to implement and facilitate seamless interaction across all relevant research processes to support GTP goals.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Act as key interface between research lab personnel and operational functions.
• Provide strategic leadership to the Program for Comparative Medicine and Vivarium operations staff.
• Provide high level oversight of GTP's lab animal compliance program (IACUC, AAALAC accreditation).
• Collaborate with functional heads (e.g. Vector Core, PCM) to define critical laboratory workflows to integrate with lab support services, purchasing and inventory functions.
• Identify work-flow inefficiencies, brainstorm solutions, over-see implementation of improvements.
• Oversee facilities personnel and infrastructure.
• Define metrics and Key Performance Indicators to drive continuous improvement.
• Coordinate annual budget planning process for capital lab equipment. Identify opportunities to share equipment across functions.
• Oversee lab consumable inventory management system; Support implementation and training for use of ordering and inventory platforms.
• Oversee all research related inventory, including vivarium; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
• Partner with Finance to ensure timely payments are made to suppliers.
• Train new employees.
• Assist with lab space planning achieve optimal efficiency.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree and 10+ years of relevant employment in biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, or major academic research institution experience required.
• Advanced Science Degree (Ph. D. and/or DVM) strongly preferred.
• Understanding of lab research processes and experience in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or top-tier academic research setting supporting complex work flows are essential.
• Experience with running large or small animal vivariums in a regulated environment is a must! 
• Demonstrated experience in process improvement and continuous improvement methodologies. Practical working knowledge in a cross-functional research setting resulting in measurable and tangible benefits to the organization.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing and managing IT solutions in support of complex research programs
• Strong project management skills. Understands the importance of defining and managing the critical path; brings solutions when needed to address potential delays; laser focused on achieving milestones.
• Effective communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Proven track record of success working in collaborative, team environment; ability to cultivate and maintain effective business partner relationships through earned respect and trust.
• Excellent organizational skills; able to manage multiple projects / initiatives at same time.
• Experience as lab manager or project manager in biotech/life science industry and basic understanding of Six Sigma Lean principles and Continuous Improvement tools are a plus.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$108,411.00 - $205,981.00

Affirmative Action Statement 

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.