We are looking for a

LABORATORY DIRECTOR
HIGH THROUGHPUT TRANSLATIONAL EPIGENETICS LABORATORY
(m/f)

The Institute
The European Translational Oncology Prevention and Screening Institute (EUTOPS) is a new research institute at the University of Innsbruck, supported by the Land Tirol and led by Prof Martin Widschwendter, who also holds a professorship at University College London and a guest professorship at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. Our research focus is to identify and validate epigenetic signatures for individualised prevention, risk prediction, and early detection of cancer in line with the principles of P4 medicine (predictive, preventive, personalised and participatory). Within this context, our work focuses on DNA methylation-based risk prediction and monitoring of cancer preventive measures in a translational setting, applying high throughput methodologies in international clinical trials and population-based samples.

We are currently establishing a new high-throughput epigenetics and genetics laboratory and are therefore looking for laboratory director.
The University of Innsbruck’s newly established translational epigenetics laboratory is located in close proximity to a large pathology/cytology/molecular laboratory and sited 50 minutes west of Innsbruck close to several famous ski resorts (e.g. St. Anton, Lech, Pitztal, and Sölden) allowing for ample leisure activities in winter and summer yet within a short distance of major European cities such as Innsbruck, Munich, Zurich, and Verona.

The role and what will make you an ideal candidate
You will join an interdisciplinary, international, and highly motivated team with expertise in epigenetics, clinical research, biostatistics, oncology, pathology, cytology and molecular pathology. You will be responsible for the establishment of our high-throughput epigenetics (and genetics) analysis pipelines as well as ensuring smooth operation, administration, and maintenance of the laboratory, managing junior staff, and overseeing day to day sample analysis and other tasks.

This role will be an excellent opportunity for an experienced scientist or laboratory manager looking for a long-term position, with a desire to demonstrate leadership and take on more responsibility. We highly value team members capable of working independently with a sense of self-initiative and “can do” attitude.

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• Operation and management of the “wet lab” part of our new high-throughput laboratory, including laboratory processes and related administrative and safety tasks, such as (but not limited to) the following:
  • General maintenance of the lab,
  • Establishment of our high-throughput pipeline, including development of SOPs for:
    • DNA extraction and modification (bisulfite conversion, restriction, etc.),
    • Sequencing (Illumina),
    • Array (mainly IlluminaEPIC array),
    • RT-PCR (e.g., MethyLight).
  • Regular diligent processing of clinical samples (active and oversight).
  • Troubleshooting and optimisation of above workflows.
  • Evaluation and establishment of new techniques.
  • Ensuring compliance with all internal and external policies as well as health and safety guidelines.
• Training, supervision and management of junior staff.
• Regular communication with other members of the institute, providing updates on progress, areas of improvement or risks.
• Prioritise tasks in line with short- and long-term needs of the research group.

Your profile:
Essential

• Doctorate degree in biology, biotechnology, biomedical analytics or similar, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
• Minimum of two years of laboratory management experience.
• Expertise and skills in (epigenetic and genetic) molecular biology techniques, including array technology, MethyLight analysis or next generation sequencing.
• Diligent, independent and reliable work ethics with attention to detail for both administrative and laboratory tasks.
• Demonstrated history of independent working and supervision of junior team members.
• Excellent organisation and communication skills.
• Perseverance to diligently process large sample numbers.
• Good English communication skills (verbal and written).

Desirable

• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and working under ISO accreditation.
• Experience with high-throughput pipelines and automation, e.g. liquid handling robots.
• Knowledge of German, or willingness to learn.

This project staff (ProjektmitarbeiterIn) role is open-ended and attracts a minimum gross salary of € 3.889,50/month (14x) at 40 h a week, with salary commensurate with experience. In addition to this, the University of Innsbruck offers many attractive add-on benefits to its employees and staff (https://www.uibk.ac.at/universitaet/zusatzleistungen/index.html.en).

The University of Innsbruck is striving for an increased percentage of female employees and is therefore actively encouraging applications from qualified women, in particular for scientific positions. In case of underrepresentation, females of equivalent qualifications will be preferentially employed.

Please send your application (including cover letter and CV) to martin.widschwendter@uibk.ac.at by December 4^th. Formal applications should include a cover letter and CV. Informal enquiries can be sent to martin.widschwendter@uibk.ac.at.