Description

The New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (IBR) is recruiting for an Institute Director, an essential leadership position needed to continue the critical research of the institute and play a role in setting its course for the future. IBR is the research arm of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). OPWDD is responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), including intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), rare genetic syndromes, and other neurological impairments. IBR is unique in that it provides a research environment conducive to collaboration between basic research scientists and clinicians. IBR is comprised of approximately 30 research laboratories and a unique, Article 16 Part 676 Diagnostic and Research Clinic which for over 50 years, has engaged in research and clinical work contributing to the field of Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD). IBR researchers played significant roles in discovering the genetic and biochemical defects that lead to Phenylketonuria (PKU) and subsequent development of newborn screening protocols and dietary guidance. The compound taurine, present in breast milk was discovered and patented at IBR as our researchers discovered its essential role in brain development. Monoclonal antibodies which play a role in the diagnosis, treatment and study of neurological diseases and developmental disabilities have been developed and patented at IBR. IBR was one of the leading laboratories to pinpoint the gene for amyloid precursor protein, linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD), to chromosome 21, helping to explain early occurrence of AD type lesions in older individuals with Down syndrome. Currently, our laboratories are engaged in placental modulation studies related to prenatal inflammation/viral infection and maternal immune activation as a causal pathway of at least one subset of autism. Our Autism/Alzheimer's research group are co-authors on a novel AD vaccine which has been shown to inhibit tau and amyloid pathologies and prevent or reduce the development of cognitive impairment in a mouse model of AD at IBR. Expansion into the area of rare genetic disorders including KBG syndrome, NAA 10-15 and Ogden Syndrome is taking place in our Genomic Medicine lab where an R35 grant has been awarded. Through its access to our Brain bank, our AD/ASD Morphology Laboratory is making advances in the area of the serotonergic system and its role in disturbances in brain development, including ASD. Moving forward, the Institute seeks to build upon research areas of strength including Fragile X Syndrome, Down syndrome and its relationship to Alzheimer's Disease, and Autism and to develop new research programs focusing on the role of genetic defects as an underlying cause of IDD. To accomplish this goal OPWDD plans to make a significant investment in the development of a new Genomics Core Facility to facilitate the proper evaluation and diagnosis for patients with a suspected IDD. The Institute Director will drive the core facility's development and implementation, cultivating strategic partnerships and ensuring operational excellence. On-site Centralized Services include Microscopy Services with Confocal and Light Sheet Microscopy, a Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Editorial/Grant Writing Services/Statistical Analysis, and Mass Spectrometry along with the NYS IBR Brain and Tissue Bank for Developmental Disabilities, housed on site at IBR.

Under the general direction of the OPWDD Deputy Commissioner of Statewide Services, and in close collaboration with other facility executive staff, the Institute Director will be responsible for the management, administration and oversight of all clinical and research departments at IBR, including: establishing the facilities long and short-term research goals; developing and coordinating research programs; working with IBR researchers to facilitate research grant submissions; and ensuring that the research mission of IBR successfully aligns with the overall mission of OPWDD to help people with IDD live richer lives. The Institute Director will interact with a wide number of stakeholders across IBR and OPWDD including research scientists with diverse backgrounds, clinicians and agency and state government officials.

Externally, this individual is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with key external partners, stakeholders, patients and families and to work to advance strategically focused and novel research partnerships.

Requirements

OPWDD/IBR seeks an Institute Director who:

Holds a current Medical Degree with active license to practice, and also a Ph.D. degree; Previous experience diagnosing and treating patients with a developmental disability is preferred, and the candidate would ideally be a Board-Certified Medical Geneticist.
Has demonstrable experience obtaining NIH funding, knowledge of whole genome sequencing, single cell PCR (Polymerase chain reaction), pluripotent cell lines, and ideally, experience overseeing large research institute.
Will work to ensure the quality and validity of empirical evidence and ensure that it is ethically and compliantly collected, stored and analyzed in accordance with all relevant state and federal requirements.
Possesses excellent interpersonal, communication and project management skills with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional and matrixed environment.
Has proven experience in leading and managing research partnerships.
Has a demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed scientific publications and obtaining of federal funding and other grant resources.
Demonstrates 10 years of progressively responsible administrative, supervisory or managerial experience in a related field/facility/agency, whose primary function is providing research and treatment services to people diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We invite qualified and enthusiastic candidates to apply for this exciting opportunity to engage in meaningful work and to make significant contributions to our medical and scientific endeavors to fulfill our mission of helping individuals with IDD live healthier lives. IBR offers an exciting and collaborative work environment with colleagues whose research interests span all areas related to Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.

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