Senior Genetics Researcher/Principal Investigator - RTI International

Overview:

The Genomics, Ethics, and Translational Research Program within RTI International conducts translational genetics and genomics research with a focus on rare diseases in newborns, young children, and adults. Our work aims to translate basic science discoveries into clinical and public health practice. Our long-standing statewide newborn screening study, Early Check (https://earlycheck.org/), was initiated to offer families the choice to identify rare conditions early, often before symptom onset, and reduce the diagnostic odyssey for families. We currently screen for a large panel of conditions using whole genome sequencing and have screened over 2,000 newborns since Fall 2023.

 

We are seeking a Senior Genetics Researcher/Principal Investigator who can provide leadership and support to Early Check, and strategic planning to grow our portfolio of work related to all aspects of translational genetics and genomics. The candidate should have expertise in translational genetics or genomics and/or newborn screening; a strong track record of obtaining funding; scientific leadership and/or organizational management experience with large, multidisciplinary teams; involvement in national or international initiatives; and a commitment to dissemination and peer-reviewed publications. The candidate can maintain an academic appointment and continue clinical practice part time, if desired. Transfer of currently funded projects will be given full consideration.

 

RTI International headquarters is located in Research Triangle Park, NC, with regional offices across the United States. Scientists in the Genomics, Ethics, and Translational Research Program range from early-career to established investigators who implement pilot and full-scale research studies, evaluate programs, and provide technical assistance to support evidence-based strategies that inform policy and healthcare practice. The Program has a multidisciplinary approach and includes staff from a variety of backgrounds, including genetics/genomics, genetic counseling, public health, psychology, special education, social work, and chemistry. The Program resides within a larger business unit with experts in informatics, biostatistics, data science, and discovery genomics. We maintain an on-site, CLIA-certified lab. In addition, we partner with clinical genetics experts from UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University on many of our studies.

Responsibilities:

• Lead their own research projects and teams with a focus on translational genetics/genomics topics and other public health issues;
• Play a major leadership role in RTI’s Early Check research program alongside the existing senior leadership team;
• Grow Early Check and the broader genetics/genomics research portfolio through the submission of grant and/or contract proposals;
• Partner with Program investigators to develop a long-term strategic vision for how the Program can support state, national, and international genetics and/or genomics initiatives;
• Propose, initiate, and develop strategic partnerships with professional associations and other strategic partners or initiatives, such as and patient advocacy groups or commercial entities (e.g., diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies) to support advancement of the Program’s mission and work;
• Lead the preparation of peer-reviewed articles based on research activities;
• Prepare and deliver presentations at state, national, and international meetings

Qualifications:

• Ph.D., M.D., or other terminal degree in genetics, genetic counseling, epidemiology, neurology, neuroscience, pediatrics, psychology, psychiatry, or other related fields.
• A minimum of 10 years of related research experience; direct experience in clinical and public health genetics and genomics, early identification of children with rare conditions or newborn screening is required.
• Proven track record of obtaining funding as a principal or co- investigator
• Proven leadership expertise and management of research/clinical studies.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse, multidisciplinary teams, and to establish and maintain good working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and clients.
• Ability to travel to meetings, conferences, or other business locations (up to 10%).

 

Please include a cover letter as the first page of a resume attachment when applying for the position. This position may be based remotely or out of any of RTI’s regional offices.  The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below and assumes location in Research Triangle Park. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States.

 

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EEO & Pay Equity Statements:

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.

Hiring Salary Range:$182,000 - $225,000