Associate Director Research - Biology

Title: Associate Director, Research

Department: Fredric Rieders Family Foundation

Job Type: Regular Full-Time

Location: Willow Grove, PA

Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:00am-4:00pm

Summary

The Fredric Rieders Family Foundation is a 501(3)(c) is a non-profit research and education foundation (doing business as the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE). The Foundation's three major areas of activity are in online and in-person continuing professional education for forensic science professionals, classroom and laboratory-based instruction for academic forensic science programs with local universities, and innovative research in forensic biology, chemistry and toxicology. The Foundation also supports STEM learning for under-represented communities.

Education and experience

Master's degree in science, Biology preferred. Experience in education and independent research is required, including teaching academic science (preferably forensic science) courses at the college level. A record of peer-reviewed publication and presentation is required. Superior laboratory bench skills and experience in teaching and mentoring those in junior staff is required. Experience with grant development, preparation and submission is essential. Project management experience is required, including the design and oversight of research, grant management, and grant progress and financial reporting.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

* Day to day management of a portfolio of research projects and contracts.
* Identifies, vets, analyzes and proposes new initiatives within their area of expertise to the Director and Executive Director for the growth and maintenance of the CFSRE's program.
* Builds and manages budgets for grants and grant applications, submit budget modification requests
* Is accountable for budgets under their control
* May perform analytical work in addition to project management roles on various research projects
* Acts as point of contact with external project/grant managers or officers
* Ensures the preparation of required progress/status reports for clients and sponsoring agencies
* Provides oversight, training and mentorship to students, staff and visiting scientists
* Identifies grant opportunities and, in conjunction with CFSRE staff and collaborators, prepares and submits grant applications
* Provides training/mentorship to graduate students on the practice of research, report writing and presentation
* Coaches students and junior staff on presentation skills for scientific research
* Designs and in consultation with the Executive Director and Director, assigns research projects to graduate students
* Provides oversight, goal setting, progress review and direction to graduate students and junior scientific staff on their execution of project or research tasks
* Manage, coordinate, execute and report on grant funded research projects
* Serves as Course Director for select forensic science courses as appropriate
* Reviews CFSRE/Foundation materials, web content and marketing materials for accuracy and prepares appropriate content
* Supervision of assigned research assistant and graduate assistant staff
* Manages the performance, presentation and publication of student research
* Prepares student communications related to research activity
* Ensures the delivery and teaching of selected/assigned internship programs
* Ensures awareness of and compliance with laboratory safety procedures
* Performs performance reviews of the CFSRE staff under their supervision
* Other duties as assigned
* Maintains r egular and reliable attendance

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

* An interest in and aptitude for research, technical writing and teaching is essential, including the ability to provide an exciting and stimulating learning environment and provide guidance and mentorship for graduate students
* Excellent project management and organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects are essential
* Excellent communication skills
* Practical hands-on working knowledge of forensic science
* Demonstrates an understanding of biological, chemical, or instrumental methods, principles, and their significance to forensic applications
* Ability to comprehend regulations and SOP's and apply them to work operations
* Able to exhibit professional and effective interpersonal skills in communicating and coordinating with internal professional staff, and external partners and organizations
* Knowledge of proper safety practices

Physical Demands

* Ability to talk, hear, stand, reach with hands and arms, and use hands and fingers to manipulate instrument/equipment controls, computer keyboard, office equipment, objects, or tools
* Moving from one work location to another to sit and stand, sometimes for extended periods of time
* Vision (with correction) including color, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

As with all jobs at the Foundation, a consistently positive, cooperative, self-motivated, courteous, and professional attitude is essential to successful performance. Other statements included in this job description represent typical elements and criteria required; they are not intended to be all-inclusive and are subject to modification by the Foundation and its designees.