Associate Research Director, Core Facilities

$131,800 - $217,500/Yr

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center - New York, NY

Full-time - Senior

New York, NY

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Associate Research Director at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) plays a crucial role in the Cell Therapy Cell Engineering Facility (CTCEF). This position is designed for an accomplished, motivated, and innovative individual who will support and execute strategic planning, financial oversight, operational management, and staff development. The Associate Research Director will lead special projects and ensure that the facility's services align with cutting-edge research practices, thereby supporting the institution's mission of ending cancer for life. In this role, the Associate Research Director will be pivotal in advancing the scientific and operational capabilities of the laboratory, particularly as the facility expands its scope into other biological therapeutics, such as mRNA cancer vaccines. Collaborating closely with the Director of the core facility, the Associate Research Director will set the short-, medium-, and long-term scientific directions of the laboratory by evaluating emerging technologies alongside the needs of MSK scientists and physicians. Operational responsibilities include oversight of advanced methods development, scientific consultation, and liaising with the scientific community to foster a sustainable, state-of-the-art operation. The position also encompasses financial and human resource management, including hiring, training, mentoring, and staff career development. The Associate Research Director will be expected to balance scientific acumen with management skills to ensure the facility's success in a dynamic research environment.

Responsibilities

• Support and execute strategic planning for the Cell Therapy Cell Engineering Facility.
• Oversee financial management and budget development in partnership with external sponsors and internal stakeholders.
• Manage operational activities and ensure alignment with cutting-edge research practices.
• Lead special projects that advance the scientific capabilities of the laboratory.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to set scientific directions for the laboratory.
• Provide scientific consultation and oversight of advanced methods development.
• Liaise with the scientific community to grow a sustainable operation.
• Manage human resources including hiring, training, mentoring, and staff career development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in the academic or commercial sector.
• Deep understanding of Cell Therapy, CAR-T technologies, and GMP manufacturing.
• Previous experience developing budgets in collaboration with external sponsors and internal stakeholders.
• Expertise in mRNA-LNP platforms, cGMP process flow, and analytical panel development; experience with IND applications is highly desired.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience managing laboratory staff and overseeing day-to-day laboratory operations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to achieve results under tough circumstances.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize work effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Experience in mentoring and providing constructive feedback as a manager.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $131,800 - $217,500 annually.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Support for work-life balance and flexible scheduling options.