Duties Description The New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (IBR) is recruiting for an Institute Director, an essential leadership position needed to continue the critical research of the institute and play a role in setting its course for the future. IBR is the research arm of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). OPWDD is responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), including intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), rare genetic syndromes, and other neurological impairments. IBR is unique in that it provides a research environment conducive to collaboration between basic research scientists and clinicians. IBR is comprised of approximately 30 research laboratories and a unique, Article 16 Part 676 Diagnostic and Research Clinic which for over 50 years, has engaged in research and clinical work contributing to the field of Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD). IBR researchers played significant roles in discovering the genetic and biochemical defects that lead to Phenylketonuria (PKU) and subsequent development of newborn screening protocols and dietary guidance. The compound taurine, present in breast milk was discovered and patented at IBR as our researchers discovered its essential role in brain development. Monoclonal antibodies which play a role in the diagnosis, treatment and study of neurological diseases and developmental disabilities have been developed and patented at IBR. IBR was one of the leading laboratories to pinpoint the gene for amyloid precursor protein, linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD), to chromosome 21, helping to explain early occurrence of AD type lesions in older individuals with Down syndrome. Currently, our laboratories are engaged in placental modulation studies related to prenatal inflammation/viral infection and maternal immune activation as a causal pathway of at least one subset of autism. Our Autism/Alzheimer's research group are co-authors on a novel AD vaccine which has been shown to inhibit tau and amyloid pathologies and prevent or reduce the development of cognitive impairment in a mouse model of AD at IBR. Expansion into the area of rare genetic disorders including KBG syndrome, NAA 10-15 and Ogden Syndrome is taking place in our Genomic Medicine lab where an R35 grant has been awarded. Through its access to our Brain bank, our AD/ASD Morphology Laboratory is making advances in the area of the serotonergic system and its role in disturbances in brain development, including ASD. Moving forward, the Institute seeks to build upon research areas of strength including Fragile X Syndrome, Down syndrome and its relationship to Alzheimer's Disease, and Autism and to develop new research programs focusing on the role of genetic defects as an underlying cause of IDD. To accomplish this goal OPWDD plans to make a significant investment in the development of a new Genomics Core Facility to facilitate the proper evaluation and diagnosis for patients with a suspected IDD. The institute director will drive the core facility's development and implementation, cultivating strategic partnerships and ensuring operational excellence. On-site Centralized Services include Microscopy Services with Confocal and Light Sheet Microscopy, a
Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Editorial/Grant Writing Services/Statistical Analysis, and Mass Spectrometry along with the NYS IBR Brain and Tissue Bank for Developmental Disabilities, housed on site at IBR.
Under the general direction of the OPWDD Deputy Commissioner of Statewide Services, and in close collaboration with other facility executive staff, the Institute Director will be responsible for the management, administration and oversight of all clinical and research departments at IBR, including: establishing the facilities long and short term research goals; developing and coordinating research programs; working with IBR researchers to facilitate research grant submissions; and ensuring that the research mission of IBR successfully aligns with the overall mission of OPWDD to help people with IDD live richer lives. The Institute Director will interact with a wide number of stakeholders across IBR and OPWDD including research scientists with diverse backgrounds, clinicians and agency and state government officials. Externally, this individual is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with key external partners, stakeholders, patients and families and to work to advance strategically focused and novel research partnerships.
Minimum Qualifications A doctorate in medicine and six years of progressively responsible experience in clinical research, three years of which must have involved teaching as a member of the regular faculty of an approved medical school, and three years of which must have involved supervision and direction of a clinical research and teaching program which included the publication of research findings as an integral part of the program.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
OPWDD/IBR seeks an Institute Director who:
• Holds a current Medical Degree with active license to practice, and also a Ph.D. degree; Previous experience diagnosing and treating patients with a developmental disability is preferred, and the candidate would ideally be a Board-Certified Medical Geneticist;
• Has demonstrable experience obtaining NIH funding, knowledge of whole genome sequencing, single cell PCR (Polymerase chain reaction), pluripotent cell lines, and ideally, experience overseeing a large research institute;
• Will work to ensure the quality and validity of empirical evidence and ensure that it is ethically and compliantly collected, stored and analyzed in accordance with all relevant state and federal requirements;
• Possesses excellent interpersonal, communication and project management skills with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional and matrixed environment;
• Has proven experience in leading and managing research partnerships;
• Has a demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed scientific publications and obtaining of federal funding and other grant resources;
• Demonstrates 10 years of progressively responsible administrative, supervisory or managerial experience in a related field/facility/agency, whose primary function is providing research and treatment services to people diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Education will determine the candidate's salary for this position. A candidate meeting all of the preferred qualifications in addition to the minimum qualifications will be offered the higher salary.
NYS OPWDD IBR provides a professional setting in a world-renowned research facility located on Staten Island, NY, on a wooded, suburban campus with free off-street parking. The compensation package includes New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) insurance, a generous sick leave and vacation package, vesting in the NYS pension fund, and a deferred compensation plan. Benefits include dental and optical coverage. Attendance at and participation in professional meetings and conferences is encouraged and financially supported, and publication fees in professional journals are supported through the agency budget. A part-time Telecommuting work plan is negotiable.
*Travel percentage is an estimated average; actual travel time may vary to support the needs of the agency.
Additional Comments Posted Hiring Salary includes the sum of the statutory hiring rate for Grade M-8 ($212,062) and Downstate Adjustment ($4,150). Downstate adjustment is also added to the job rate ($297,825).
• Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures. If you are being impacted by closure, please indicate this on your resume.
• All OPWDD employees must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Continued employment will depend on maintaining eligibility.
• If you are employed by state government you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentAid.gov/publicservice
• Employees on long term leave can bid on positions but must be able to report to work within fourteen (14) days and be able to perform the essential functions of their positions with or without reasonable accommodation (RA).
• If an employee or job applicant believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the Reasonable Accommodation Unit at [redacted] or email [redacted] to obtain information and RA forms.
Benefits include:
• Savings programs such as the U.S. Savings Bond and the College Savings Plan.
• Voluntary pre-tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and the Dependent Care Advantage Account offer employees options to pay for uncovered health care expenses or dependent care expenses.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) an assessment and referral service that connects employees with local service providers and support services to address their personal needs.
• Life insurance and Disability insurance.
• The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary retirement plan that offers employees the option to invest a part of their salaries for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.
Paid Holidays and Leave
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays each year.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially.
• Five (5) days paid personal leave each year.
• Eight (8) days of paid sick leave each year, which may carry over from year to year; plus free enrollment into the Income Protection Program for short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Up to three (3) days professional leave each year to participate in professional development events.
Health Care Coverage
Employees and their eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Employees are provided family dental and vision plans at no extra cost.
Paid Parental Leave
Paid Parental Leave allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for each qualifying event. A qualifying event is defined as the birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care.
Paid Family Leave
New York Paid Family Leave provides eligible employees job-protected, paid time off, for up to 12 weeks to:
Bond with a newly born, adopted or fostered child,
Care for a family member with a serious health condition, or
Assist loved ones when a spouse, domestic partner, child or parent is deployed abroad on active military service.
Retirement Program
Participate in The NYS Employees' Retirement System (ERS), which is recognized as one of the best-managed and best-funded public retirement systems in the nation.
Professional Development and Education and Training
NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to eligible employees to maintain and increase their professional skills and prepare them for promotional opportunities. For more information, please visit https://oer.ny.gov/training-and-professional-development.
Additionally, the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offers certain professional training opportunities for PEF represented and M/C designated employees that may grant continuing education credits towards maintaining professional licensure. For more information, please visit https://oer.ny.gov/public-service-workshops-program-pswp.
Name Central Office Human Resources
Fax (518) 474-9902
Email Address MainOffice.Careers@opwdd.ny.gov
Address
Street Central Office Human Resources
44 Holland Ave
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12229
Notes on Applying Please email your cover letter and resume to MainOffice.Careers@opwdd.ny.gov and reference vacancy ID in your email.
