Review Vacancy
AgencyPeople With Developmental Disabilities, Office for
TitleResearch Scientist 2 - Human Genetic/Genomic Core Facility
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $86326 to $108230 Annually
Duties Description POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The New York State Institute for Basic Research (IBR), the research arm of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a full-time Research Scientist 2 (Genomic Core) position in the Human Genetics Department, with some related work involving the Specialty Clinical Laboratories/Jervis Clinic.
The Research Scientist 2 will contribute to the development and expansion of the Institute's Genomics Core Facility and Rare Disease Center, supporting translational genomics research and clinical laboratory initiatives focused on neurodevelopmental disorders, rare genetic diseases, and autism spectrum disorders. The successful candidate will participate in the implementation, optimization, validation, and application of advanced molecular and genomic technologies, including long-read sequencing, next-generation sequencing, PCR-based methodologies, capillary electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing, Southern blot analysis, quantitative PCR, and emerging genomic platforms. The position provides opportunities to collaborate with multidisciplinary investigators, assist in developing innovative genomic workflows, and support both research and clinical testing activities.
NYS OPWDD IBR provides a professional setting in a world-renowned research facility located on Staten Island, NY, on a wooded, suburban campus with free off-street parking. Attendance at and participation in professional meetings and conferences is encouraged and financially supported, and publication fees in professional journals are supported through the agency budget. Telecommuting work plan is negotiable. The compensation package includes New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) insurance, a generous sick leave and vacation package, vesting in the NYS pension fund, and a deferred compensation plan. NYS benefits include tuition reimbursement and dental and optical coverage.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES are but not limited to:
:
IBR has undertaken the mission of developing a Genomics Core Facility, with research goals focused on intellectual disability, genetic syndromes and autism. The Research Scientist 2 we seek to hire will have the unique opportunity to play a significant role in the development of this effort.
The selected candidate will:
• Participate in establishing and expanding the Institute's Genomics Core Facility and genomic medicine research program.
• Develop, optimize, validate, and troubleshoot molecular and genomic assays.
• Support implementation of long-read and next-generation sequencing technologies for research and translational applications.
• Perform molecular biology techniques including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, qPCR, capillary electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing, Southern blotting, and library preparation.
• Analyze, interpret, and summarize genomic data using appropriate bioinformatics and statistical tools.
• Develop and maintain laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality management documentation.
• Collaborate with clinicians, laboratory scientists, and research investigators on multidisciplinary projects.
• Assist with experimental design, data visualization, manuscript preparation, grant applications, and scientific presentations.
• Maintain compliance with NYSDOH, CLIA, CAP, and institutional quality standards where applicable.
• Train laboratory personnel and students in molecular and genomic methodologies.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies that enhance genomic research and precision medicine initiatives.
The position involves:
• Translational genomics research.
• Assay development and validation.
• Molecular diagnostics.
• Long-read and next-generation sequencing.
• Bioinformatics-assisted genomic data analysis.
• Cross-functional collaboration with clinical and research laboratories.
• Scientific writing and dissemination of research findings.
• Continuous evaluation of emerging genomic technologies.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's or Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline with publications or other work demonstrating experience with molecular biology and genomic laboratory techniques.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing and/or long-read sequencing technologies (Oxford Nanopore, PacBio, Illumina, or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Experience with genomic data analysis and familiarity with bioinformatics software, command-line computing, or scripting languages (Python, R, Bash) is desirable.
• Experience developing, validating, or optimizing molecular assays.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and scientific communication skills.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity through publications, presentations, or collaborative research.
• Experience working in regulated laboratory environments (CLIA, CAP, NYSDOH, or equivalent) is desirable but not required.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.
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Minimum Qualifications Non-Competitive:
Bachelor’s degree and three years of professional research experience in an appropriate field.
Substitutions:
Master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.
Additional Comments • Please note that starting salary for this title reflects the Downstate adjustment. Posted Hiring Salary includes the sum of the statutory hiring rate for PS&T Grade 22 ($82,326) and Downstate adjustment ($4,000). Downstate adjustment is added to the job rate ($104,230).
• The assignment of PS&T employees will be made in accordance with any agreed upon Memorandum of Understanding between PEF and the local DDSO regarding the posting of job vacancies.
• Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures. If you are being impacted by closure, please indicate this on your resume.
• All OPWDD employees must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Continued employment will depend on maintaining eligibility.
• If you are employed by state government you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentAid.gov/publicservice.
• Employees on long term leave can bid on positions but must be able to report to work within fourteen (14) days and be able to perform the essential functions of their positions with or without reasonable accommodation (RA).
• If an employee or job applicant believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the Reasonable Accommodation Unit at (518) 486-7222 or email accommodationrequests@opwdd.ny.gov to obtain information and RA forms.
• Savings programs such as the U.S. Savings Bond and the College Savings Plan.
• Voluntary pre-tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and the Dependent Care Advantage Account offer employees options to pay for uncovered health care expenses or dependent care expenses.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) an assessment and referral service that connects employees with local service providers and support services to address their personal needs.
• Life insurance and Disability insurance.
• The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary retirement plan that offers employees the option to invest a part of their salaries for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.
• Paid Holidays and Leave:
° Thirteen (13) paid holidays each year.
° Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially.
° Five (5) days paid personal leave each year.
° Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave each year (PEF/CSEA), which may carry over from year to year.
° Up to three (3) days professional leave each year to participate in professional development events.
• Health Care Coverage:
Employees and their eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Employees are provided family dental and vision plans at no extra cost.
• Paid Parental Leave:
Paid Parental Leave allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for each qualifying event. A qualifying event is defined as the birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care.
• Retirement Program:
Participate in The NYS Employees’ Retirement System (ERS), which is recognized as one of the best-managed and best-funded public retirement systems in the nation.
• Professional Development and Education and Training:
NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to eligible employees to maintain and increase their professional skills and prepare them for promotional opportunities. For more information, please visit https://oer.ny.gov/training-and-professional-development.
• Additionally, the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offers certain professional training opportunities for PEF represented and M/C designated employees that may grant continuing education credits towards maintaining professional licensure. For more information, please visit https://oer.ny.gov/public-service-workshops-program-pswp.
OPWDD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion. We believe that we are most effective in managing and improving our service system with a diverse team of employees. With such a large workforce, we rely on the collective individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, ideas and talent that our employees bring to their work. This speaks to our culture and is a key part of our successes. As we continuously recruit people for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that applicants bring in terms of their education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
***All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.***
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.