Project scientist job description

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Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn, Virginia, where scientists pursue fundamental questions in neuroscience and imaging. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) launched Janelia in 2006, establishing an intellectually distinctive environment for scientists to do creative, collaborative, hands-on work. Our integrated teams of biologists, computational scientists, and tool-builders pursue a small number of scientific questions with potential for transformative impact. We share our methods, results, and tools with the scientific community. It is a uniquely innovative and collaborative atmosphere that reflects HHMI's reputation for excellence.
Summary:
The Genetically Encoded Neuronal Indicator and Effector (GENIE) project develops, tests, optimizes, and collaborates in producing cutting-edge protein-based fluorescent sensors for imaging cellular activity, thus enabling high-resolution monitoring of cellular function in neurons and other cells. The GENIE project employs project team members with expertise in advanced molecular biology, protein engineering, high-throughput cell-based screening, in vivo fluorescence imaging, and image analysis. The Project Scientist will lead a team of scientists from these different disciplines and oversee the cell-based screens to improve sensor functionality as well as the evaluation of these protein-based sensors ranging from in vitro biophysics to in vivo functional imaging. All funding for the project is provided internally by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Janelia Project Teams are biotech for discovery science and are supported throughout multiple phases of development, from pilot projects which are intended to explore and define directions for future larger efforts, to large, organized efforts with clear milestones and deliverables. The Project Scientist coordinates GENIE project activity, and is responsible for directing, contributing to, and reporting on every facet team projects. The GENIE project team is relatively mature, running for nearly a decade, and has a record of generating best-in-class sensors, which have been used extensively in neuroscience and other areas of cellular physiology. As Janelia embarks on new research areas more focused on tissue physiology, the overall group will need to adapt and help advance the mission of 4D Cellular Physiology by generating new sensors and modulators. The Project Scientist will focus on leading teams to develop new screening and analysis capabilities, fostering collaboration, and managing production operations and development staff, while keeping a strong focus on setting and achieving ambitious scientific goals while sharing the results and reagents to the broad scientific community in line with HHMI's Open Science directions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Manage Project Scientific Efforts and Operations
Ensure active, productive collaboration with postdocs and researchers within SC member and collaborating labs.Assist in and direct the development of project-associated tools (e.g., data analysis and representation tools) that will be of broad use to collaborators and the research community. This may include individual research contributions, software and algorithm development, as well as software system architecture design.Assure timely, smooth transfer of data and information to project collaborators and users.Manage sharing of data and reagents as outlined in project policies and guided by general academic research norms, including the use of commercial vendors for distribution of research reagents.Actively disseminate scientific outcomes of the GENIE Project in accordance with Janelia scientific standards. This may include publications, presentations, and other forms of data dissemination when appropriate and in line with HHMI's Open Science mission.

Steering Committee (SC) Administration
Each Janelia team project is guided by a steering committee of Janelia lab heads and visiting scientists who provide high level scientific guidance and whose laboratories all contribute to and use the results of the team efforts. The Project Scientist serves as the bridge between the steering committee and the research operations under their direction.

Plan regular steering committee meetings, gathering input from SC members and organizing and distributing agendas in advance of each meeting, being mindful to keep the SC focused on topics of appropriate level and impact.Document SC meeting discussions, publishing minutes of appropriate detail for future reference.Invite discussion of special topics, involving experts from outside the SC to join meetings as needed.Initiate new proposals and requests for resources as needed.Keep SC members informed about project performance toward goals and milestones, status of performance to budget, and operational challenges encountered.Prepare, communicate, and revise research and production plans, with input from the SC.Initiate, drive, and document SC discussions and approval of project-specific policies and procedures (e.g., collaboration relationships, publication and reagent sharing policies).

Maximize Project Effectiveness by Leveraging Janelia Resources
Work closely with Janelia Shared Resources and Project Technical Resources to achieve project goals. Efforts can range from staffing early-stage efforts from these groups to utilizing services as an integral part of project operations.Plan, negotiate clear agreements on scope of work, commitment levels, and pricing with internal resource groups.The Project Scientist is responsible for working closely with the Finance group to prepare, communicate, and operate within project budgets.

Directly Manage Project Staff (including Research Technicians, Specialists, Postdocs)
Recruit the very best staff members, authentically representing the unique opportunities afforded by being part of Janelia research and team projects.Evaluate and decide on appropriate staffing approaches, including use of internal resources, temporary staff, temporary-to-hire positions, contractors, etc. to optimally meet project needs.Effectively manage performance (goal setting, reviewing performance, mentoring) of direct staff, who have a range of career interests and aspirations.Plan staff training, motivation and morale efforts within project resources and scope to ensure employee engagement and productivity.Directly address and handle performance issues, in collaboration with the Janelia People and Culture department.

Communicate Project Outcomes and Future Directions
Janelia team projects receive periodic input from external sources, including project-focused advisors and the Janelia Advisory Committee. The Project Scientist leads efforts with the SC to produce biennial project proposals, present updates and plans, and interact with advisors.Project team efforts are represented at the annual Janelia Symposium, through scientific talks and posters, and a biennial Janelia Thursday Seminar. Project Scientists are expected to actively participate in presentations to the wider Janelia research community.The Project Scientist plays a key role in coordinating input from SC members and others in the preparation of scientific manuscripts for publication, as well as providing academic access to data and reagents.

Other Duties and Responsibilities
Collaborate with Janelia Technology Transfer Office as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Protein Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field, preferably in the research area of the project under consideration, or equivalent experience.Ph.D. preferred Experience with high-throughput screening.Experience with advanced fluorescent microscopy and spectroscopy Experience with in vivo imaging Knowledge of cellular biology or protein biochemistry/engineering.Three to more than ten years of post-education experience required in academia or industry.Experience in managing the development and operation of large-scale algorithm-intensive software systems may be required for analysis-intensive projects.Experience in successfully organizing, managing, and driving scientifically and technically diverse and challenging projects to completion, on time, and within budget required.Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, required.Demonstrated negotiation skills and abilities.Willingness to work in a team environment, sharing responsibilities, work, and credit with others is essential.Experience working at a range of levels of effort, including lab/bench-level experimentation, operational and strategic planning, and communication of plans and results required.Experience managing technical staff.

Physical Requirements:
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment Status: Full-time
Classification: Exempt

Compensation: $65-$95k annually; BOE

Location: Boise, ID

The Project Scientist will be responsible for project and team management including scope of work preparation, planning, coordinating and maintaining schedules, budgets, and staffing plans. This position primarily supports efforts to remediate Brownfields sites in Idaho, the upstream oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) industry operating at various locations in the United States, and the mining industry operating internationally. This position requires superior written and verbal communication skills to effectively interface with staff personnel, regulatory agencies, clients, and vendors.

About NewFields

NewFields is an environmental science, engineering, and consulting firm that specializes in developing and deploying knowledge management and information technologies that seek solutions for our clients. We provide our clients with access to a world-wide network of recognized experts and professionals in data analytics, social and health impact, environmental sciences and permitting, remediation design, extractive resource design, construction and program management, and litigation support. Our talented staff is a diverse group of accomplished individuals, most of whom are senior level engineers, scientists, and specialists who offer their client base both practical and strategic solutions to obtaining resources needed by society while protecting, preserving, and restoring the environment.

Requirements

Education Requirement: A Bachelor's degree in earth or environmental sciences; a Master's degree is preferred.

Experience Requirement: A minimum of five years' of experience is required.

Software: Position requires applicant to haveworking knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Microsoft Access (or equivalent) and ESRI ArcMap.

Potential Travel: Travel to project sites located in the Western US, and elsewhere, both domestic and international.

Physical Demands:Position requires sitting/standing for long periods of time, extended hours working on a computer and lifting up to 30 pounds. Field assignments can be located in a variety of environments and cultures, including difficult and diverse climates. During field assignments, standing, squatting, bending, and lifting up to 30 pounds may be required over prolonged periods of time.

Essential Functions:

+ Supporting large environmental projects and leading smaller projects including, development of sampling plans, technical analysis and review, reports, technical memoranda, and performing contract administration tasks.

+ Providing support and/or supervision for environmental investigations/studies, including planning, implementation, analysis, interpretation, and reporting aspects.

+ Interpreting environmental data, that may include air quality, soil, geotechnical/rock, groundwater, and surface water;

+ Participating in NewFields' projects acquired and managed by others, as needed; and,

+ Successful on-time completion of quality technical products under your supervision, measured by internal or external client satisfaction.

Benefits:

NewFields believes that in order to attract and retain the best and brightest employees, we need to offer an outstanding benefits package. We provide paid vacation, sick and parental leave, along with paid holidays.

+ Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage

+ Health Savings Account (HSA)

+ Telemedicine

+ 401k and Roth

+ 401(k) Match

+ Dental Insurance

+ Vision Insurance

+ Basic Life / Accidental Death & Dismemberment

+ Long Term Care

+ Short Term Disability (STD) Insurance

+ Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance

+ Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance

+ Supplemental Income Protection

+ Supplemental Long-Term Care Insurance

+ Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

**General Responsibilities:**

Conduct environmental site investigations, assessments and surveys to sample, measure and analyze air, water, material, and soil. Identify, evaluate and recommend risk and remediation strategies/designs to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations. Prepare applicable permit applications, risk assessments and technical documents including proposals, reports and regulatory agency correspondence. Design systems and environmental protection plans. Projects may include Phase I/II environmental site assessments, ecological and natural resource field surveys, tank closure assessments, asbestos abatement, storm water management, and site planning and permitting.

**Essential Roles and Responsibilities:**

+ Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.

+ Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

+ Career level, fully competent scientific professional responsible for planning, scheduling, conducting or coordinating detailed phases of work for part of a major project or total of a project of moderate scope and complexity.

+ May devise new approaches to problems encountered.

+ May serve as a team leader in medium projects and mentor junior level scientists/engineers.

+ Performs scientific analyses on projects of own discipline.

+ May attend on and off-site client meetings.

+ requirements to complete client projects by directing and supervising field staff to sample, test and collect data and/or document site activities.

+ Responsible for developing written proposals to clients for both small and large projects including quality control review of proposals written by others.

+ Evaluates complex laboratory and field data and assembles in written reports.

**Requirements:**

+ Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related science field and a minimum of 7 years' related experience. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 11 years' related experience.

+ Master's degree or PhD preferred.

+ Certification in field of expertise.

+ Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.

**Exemption:**

Exempt


21619BR

**Posting Title:**

Project Scientist

**Employment Type:**

Regular, Full Time

**City, State (Office Location):**

Savannah, GA

**About Terracon:**

Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned consulting engineering firm providing quality services to clients. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon currently has more than 5,000 employees in more than 150 offices with services available in all 50 states. Terracon's growth is due to valued employees exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.

**EEO Statement:**

Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.

**Job Category:**

Scientist

**Terracon's COVID-19 Safety Response:**

**Committed to Our Employee Safety!**

**Terracon is passionate about your safety before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.** As Terracon continues to move forward and grow through this time, we are continuing to take every precaution to ensure the safety of our employee-owners. If you are as committed to your success as we are committed to your safety, then Terracon is the company for you!

Our goal has not changed. For Terracon, our guiding principle has been and will continue to be the safety of our employee-owners. _It's that simple._ We want our employees to be able to work safely in every situation and go home safely each night. As we continue our vision of being "Best at People," here are some of the things Terracon is doing to safeguard every employee-owner:

+ On-going communication with ALL employee-owners on a dedicated COVID Response page, and a portal for their families to have access to resources as well

+ Requiring specific COVID-19 Pre-Task Safety Planning Protocols for all tasks and projects

+ Empowering employees to speak up and say "no" to working in unsafe conditions

+ Providing an additional 40 hours of sick leave to anyone impacted by COVID-19, including those impacted by daycare and school closures

+ Ensuring proper PPE and sanitation on all project sites by providing field employee-owners with mobile hand washing stations and supplies, masks, and sanitizing kits

+ Utilizing technology for more remote work opportunities and innovation using everything from video conferencing to drones

+ Following all CDC guidelines including social distancing on job sites, in offices, and in our labs

**If your passion lies in working with a company that truly cares for your safety,** and if you're interested in belonging to a 100% employee-owned organization that will help you grow and quickly progress in your career, consider Terracon and apply today!