The BDSC is looking for a new scientist

We are recruiting a scientist who will eventually become part of the BDSC management team. The new scientist would initially focus on management of business operations (personnel, user accounts, billing, financial recordkeeping and reporting), but will eventually participate in all aspects of BDSC operations and assume a primary leadership role in the organization. Additional responsibilities will eventually include management of collection contents (strain accessions, deaccessions, quality control), information management (biocuration, database construction and use, website development), and scientific communication (user support, grant proposals and reporting, conference presentations, position papers, manuscripts). This is a very important hire for us and an excellent opportunity for someone interested in a challenging alternative scientific career path devoted to supporting research.

Management structure
Annette Parks, Kevin Cook, Sam Zheng, and Cale Whitworth share responsibility for day-to-day management of the BDSC. Thom Kaufman acts as an advisor on scientific and policy matters. Kim Cook manages our ~50 stockkeepers and oversees order processing. Jane Stout manages billing and other business matters. Lily Golden oversees research efforts. The new scientist will share responsibilities with Annette, Kevin, Sam and Cale.

Areas of responsibility
  • Financial management - The new scientist will participate in managing the fee program and planning operating budgets.
  • Collections management - The scientist will be responsible for assuring that the contents of the stock collection meet the needs of contemporary and future Drosophila research and for assuring the health and integrity of the strains. She or he will participate in stock acquisition, preparing stocks for distribution, ongoing quality control and stock deaccession.
  • Information management - The challenges of managing data regarding stocks, orders and user accounts are significant. The scientist must be comfortable handling and presenting complex data, because these tasks will constitute much of her or his daily work. Database and website management experience will be particularly valuable for anyone interested in the position.
  • User support - The scientist will provide technical support for scientists using genetic approaches to investigate biological problems. This requires a broad understanding of contemporary biological research and extensive knowledge of classical Drosophila genetics and cutting-edge genetic technologies. It also requires good written and oral communication skills for effective correspondence. Most of all, the applicant must be enthusiastic about helping working scientists find solutions to research problems.
  • Personnel management - The scientist will help oversee the lab manager, business manager and the large stockkeeping staff. Experience managing teams of scientists and technicians will be valuable.
  • Grant management - The BDSC is supported by a major research resource grant which comes with extensive reporting requirements. The applicant must be able to demonstrate highly effective written communication skills and the ability to assemble complex proposals.
Academic position
The new scientist will hold the position of Research Scientist within the Indiana University Bloomington Department of Biology. This is a nontenured academic appointment equivalent to Research Professor and Professor of the Practice appointments at other universities. Appointment at Assistant, Associate or Senior Research Scientist rank will depend on experience.

Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree with a solid record of research accomplishments. Relevant postdoctoral experience is preferred but not required. All applications received by September 1, 2018 will receive full consideration.

Academic environment
The BDSC is located in the Department of Biology at Indiana University. The intellectual environment at Indiana University is outstanding. The Department of Biology has a diverse and strong research base including a rich tradition of Drosophila research that has resulted in the presence of three Drosophila resource centers: the BDSC, the Drosophila Genomics Resource Center and a branch of FlyBase. The overall scientific atmosphere at Indiana is one of active engagement, collegial interactions and strong support with ample opportunities for scientific interactions, such as “Fly Club”, a weekly meeting of the Drosophila labs.

Lifestyle
Bloomington, Indiana is a midwest college town nestled in the wooded hills of southern Indiana. It provides a small town feel while offering the cultural attractions of a major university. Housing and living expenses are quite affordable—especially in comparison to other regions of the U.S.

Questions
We will be happy to answer questions about the BDSC and the responsibilities of the new scientist. You may send questions to Cale Whitworth (calewhit at iu dot edu). (Note that we are obligated to refer you to an official university representative for questions relating to university policies.)

How to apply
Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV and the names of three references to https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/6055. All applications received by September 1, 2018 will be considered, but the job will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Please address inquiries regarding employment or university policies to Jeremy Bennett at 812-855-6283; jebennet@indiana.edu; Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 E. Third St., Bloomington, IN 47405-3700.

Indiana University is an Equal Employment and Affirmative Action Employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status or veteran status.