At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we are pioneering interdisciplinary approaches to accelerate biomedical and clinical discoveries. The new Department of Imaging Sciences will bring new faculty to St Jude who develop and apply state-of-the-art quantitative imaging, measurement and analytical technologies. In addition to faculty labs, the department will establish crucial new core resources at St Jude, including a state-of-the-art core for fabrication and instrumentation, for which we are seeking an experienced Imaging Sciences Fabrication and Design Core Director. This director role will have the opportunity to vision, build and run a fully equipped core facility that will help researchers in broad aspects of design and fabrication, from machining and 3D printing, to development and support of electrical, mechanical or robotic systems. Prior experience in imaging and / or microscopy technologies, biomedical analytical methods, microfluidics or related technologies would be highly valued. Experience in commercial strategy, productization, design documentation, manufacturing and regulatory considerations are also highly desirable and will foster strong collaborations with the department’s other cores and planned technology dissemination activities.
Position Overview
The Imaging Sciences Fabrication and Design Core Director for fabrication and instrumentation will work with department leadership and personnel to build a departmental core facility that will meet the needs of imaging science innovators across St Jude. The director must have strong leadership skills, project management expertise and experience recruiting and managing a team of 2-4 direct reports who will provide the core with the broadest possible scope of specialized expertise. The Director will be responsible for establishing and managing a sustainable operational model for the core and maintaining day-to-day oversight of core operations to ensure efficiency, productivity and continued innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Work with department leadership and institutional stakeholders and experts to plan, build and run a state of the art new fabrication and instrumentation core that will be responsive to the needs of St Jude’s new Department of Imaging Sciences. Develop a sustainable financial plan and operational structure for the core, including gradual hiring of 2-4 additional staff. Recruit, train and manage staff aligned with evolving departmental and institutional needs. Work with design and construction teams to scope and oversee space renovations for the core, accounting for factors such as noise, dust, fumes and cross‑contamination when meeting needs for project consultation space, or clean‑room, aseptic or non‑magnetic manufacturing. Ensure projects are kept on scope, budget and schedule. Scope out major equipment purchases and coordinate ordering, installation, servicing, warranty coverage and training with vendors and finance managers. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge on state‑of‑the‑art fabrication and instrumentation techniques and opportunities. Innovate and adapt core models based on new materials, methods or services that could change the scope of in‑house capabilities. Maintain communication with wider cores and departments across the campus to reduce redundancy and maximize shared knowledge and expertise. Provide daily oversight to core activities, including contributing own expertise to projects. Manage budget planning and review, and continually communicate with stakeholders to ensure the core meets departmental and institutional needs effectively. Collaborate closely and respectfully with St Jude personnel at all levels, including cross‑functional leadership, shared resources, partner laboratories and vendor organizations, to optimize efficiency, productivity and foster innovation. Collaborate with the Department Chair and other leadership to manage team processes, including hiring, goal setting, performance evaluation, training and development, and engagement. Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the department and institute, ensuring that team members have the support and resources they need to succeed.
Qualifications
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline is required. Minimum Experience: 10+ years of experience in a relevant technical field (industry or academia) is required. 8+ years of experience with a Master’s degree, 5+ years with a PhD, are required. Significant experience in a research functional area with experience managing mid‑large teams in a leadership capacity, with focus on both achievement of objectives and critical skill‑building. Preferred: experience with machining, 3D printing, imaging and / or microscopy technologies, biomedical analytical methods, microfluidics or related technologies; leading large‑scale projects through to implementation; operational management, budget planning and stakeholder/resource management; building external connections with peers, emerging technology communities and expert networks.
Compensation and Benefits
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay‑transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range; compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $125,840 - $238,160 per year for the role of Imaging Sciences Fabrication and Design Core Director. We offer competitive compensation and a chance to be part of a team that makes a real‑world impact. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, vision and other medical coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and additional benefits available to full‑time employees.
Equal Opportunity
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All resumes submitted by search firms without a valid written search agreement in place will not result in a fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired.