Description

Job Class: Full Time
Hiring Range: $80,000-$90,000
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday
Direct Reports: 1

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is seeking a creative and visionary genomics researcher to lead its genomics/genetics laboratory. This role provides scientific oversight, direction, and management of a multi-disciplinary laboratory, with a primary focus on genomics and genetics research. The Genomics Scientist will play a pivotal role in advancing the museum’s genomics and genetics research, contributing to our understanding of both human and non-human systems, and enhancing our outreach and educational initiatives. This position requires a visionary leader with a passion for genomics, a commitment to scientific excellence, and a dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation.

The public facing DMNS Genetics/Genomics laboratory, adjacent to the permanent exhibition Expedition Health, allows museum guests to observe activities that occur in a modern molecular laboratory, thus providing a multitude of opportunities for informal science education and outreach. The Museum’s collections include 4.3 million objects and specimens, as well as a large and growing frozen tissue collection, which provide many opportunities for cross-disciplinary research in phylogenomics, museomics, eDNA, etc.

If you are an experienced genomics/genetics researcher and leader ready to make a significant impact in the field while contributing to the mission of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, we encourage you to apply for this exciting position. Join our team and help us continue our legacy of inspiring curiosity and fostering scientific discovery.

DMNS is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to contribute to our commitments to co-create a museum wide DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion) strategy, and to find ways for diverse communities to engage with the Museum in meaningful ways.

Essential Duties

• Direct the operation and management of the multi-disciplinary DMNS Genomics Laboratory.
• Collaboratively develop a laboratory that supports genomics/genetics research at the museum.
• Pursue a research program utilizing genomic/genetic approaches, encompassing human systems and non-human systems.
• Hire and supervise laboratory staff, providing direction, training, and feedback for professional development.
• Collaboratively explore opportunities to showcase research and informal education conducted in the Genomics Lab to museum visitors and the wider public.
• Collaborate with other museum departments to establish shared priorities and goals.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

• PhD in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, microbiology, genomics or related field.
• Record of expertise, productivity (e.g., publications, grants), and research program that uses genomic and genetic approaches, spans human (e.g., human biology) and non-human systems (e.g., zoonoses, microbiomes, parasitology, etc.) required.
• 4 years’ experience with lab equipment required.
• Occasional local travel and out of state travel required.
• 6 months’ experience supervising or overseeing the work of a team.

Ideal Candidate Will Be/Have

• Expertise in Genomics and Genetics: The ideal candidate should have a strong background in genomics and genetics research, with a deep understanding of laboratory techniques, data analysis, and relevant technologies. They should be well-versed in the latest developments in genomics and able to lead original research in this field.
• Leadership and Management Skills: They should be able to effectively lead a team, provide guidance, and create a collaborative and productive work environment. A candidate who is committed to cooperatively developing a multi-disciplinary laboratory with other museum scientists that supports genetic and genomic research across the Tree of Life.
• Innovative Research Background: An ideal candidate should have a track record of conducting innovative and impactful research in genomics, with a focus on both human and non-human systems. They should be capable of initiating and managing research projects, collaborating with internal and external partners, and securing research grants.
• Communication and Outreach Abilities: The candidate should have strong communication skills. They should be able to convey complex scientific concepts to a broader audience, serve as a spokesperson for the museum, actively contribute to educational and outreach efforts, and have experience working in and engaging with diverse communities. A candidate who will provide support for the Museum’s permanent exhibition Expedition Health and related museum programming.

Application Instructions

Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your research interests and how your experience relates to the ideal candidate qualities by 6:00 p.m. MT on Wednesday, January 5^th 2024.  Applications will not be accepted after this time. Applications may only be accepted electronically via the Museum’s website.

DMNS Core Values

• We love science.
• We are curious, creative, and playful.
• We cultivate relationships with each other, diverse communities, the environment, and for our future.
• We think critically and act with empathy.

Perks of Working at DMNS

Click HERE (www.dmns.org/about/careers/employee-benefits/) to learn more about the benefits package offered to DMNS staff.

Dayforce Wallet: Get your pay as soon as you earn it, at no cost to you. Request up to 50% of your net earnings without waiting for the standard pay day, through the Dayforce Wallet mobile app.

Due to the high volume of people who apply, we are not able to respond to specific inquiries regarding your application status.

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is an equal opportunity employer. The Museum is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff committed to serving the needs of all our visitors, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.