Research Associate (Berg Lab)

Position Summary
The Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) is an NIH -funded consortium dedicated to building an authoritative central resource that defines the clinical relevance of genes and variants for use in precision medicine. ClinGen is an international resource that has over 2100 members participating from over 60 countries around the world. The Research Associate/ Senior Coordinator position will support the ongoing efforts of the UNC specific objectives for ClinGen directed by Dr. Jonathan Berg. This position will provide project management and leadership to working groups composed of global experts in research and health care to drive the mission of ClinGen. The Sr. Coordinator will collaborate with international experts to facilitate the work of several ClinGen Clinical Domain Working Groups (CDWGs) in different stages of launching scaling and sustaining their work. The Sr. Coordinator will liaise with expert leadership from international institutions to support the development of CDWGs including formulating and following research processes preparing necessary paperwork onboarding and mentoring new participants scheduling and leading meetings composing grant reports and other activities as new duties emerge. The position will be part of the CDWG Leadership team and will regularly present working group updates author reports and papers and represent UNC and ClinGen at professional conferences and meetings. The successful candidate will train and supervise junior members of the team. The Sr. Coordinator operates at a high level alongside international experts and plays critical role in the success of the UNC CDWGs as a scientist and as an administrator. As such the Sr. Coordinator is integral to developing and implementing solutions for workflow and interpersonal challenges. Additionally the Sr. coordinator will also oversee training and supervision of Asst. Coordinators learn and implement numerous curation frameworks and protocols monitor working group progress provide feedback and updates and represent the working group and UNC to NIH leadership including Project starter who is capable of independently and creatively identifying and resolving issues and exploring new ideas to enhance progress while maintaining strong communication with the UNC Biocuration and Coordination Core members as well as external collaborators. A strong work ethic and sense of purpose are necessary. Also the selected candidate must have knowledge of the scientific principles of biology specifically the central dogma of genetics and a basic understanding of physiology and disease. Major responsibilities of this position include coordination and training of expert panel members on biocuration and mandated processes as set by ClinGen. Minimal travel is required to attend professional conferences and ClinGen Steering Committee meetings. The selected candidate should possess a strong work ethic and sense of purpose. Also they should have knowledge of the scientific principles of biology specifically the central dogma of genetics and a basic understanding of physiology and disease.

Required Qualifications Competencies And Experience
Relevant background for this position will depend on prior experience. 3 or more years of relevant experience in coordinating expert panels and/or groups is required.

Preferred Qualifications Competencies And Experience
A Bachelors degree (or foreign equivalent) in genetics molecular biology biochemistry molecular biology. The ideal candidate will have 5 or more years of relevant experience in coordinating expert panels and/or groups or a Masters degree in genetics molecular biology biochemistry or a related field and at least 2 years of post-degree experience; or a PhD in genetics molecular biology biochemistry or a related field with 1 year of post-degree experience. The ideal candidate will also be well-versed in genetics and genomic medicine. Candidates should have previous experience in management of small development groups or possess the interpersonal skills to supervise other junior members of the team. Ideal candidates should have the ability to comprehend and instruct others on the application of complex curation processes to various projects. They should also have strong interpersonal skills and should enjoy leading coordinating organizing and interacting with diverse groups of people. They should be a self-starter who is capable of independently and creatively identifying and resolving issues and exploring new ideas to enhance progress while maintaining strong communication with the UNC Biocuration and Coordination Core members as well as external collaborators. A strong work ethic and sense of purpose are desired. Also the selected candidate should have knowledge of the scientific principles of biology specifically the central dogma of genetics and a basic understanding of physiology and disease. Qualified candidates should demonstrate effective verbal and written communication excellent analytical and problem-solving skills attention to detail and hold high professional standards for their own work and that of others.