Scientist - Genetic Research Partnerships
Job Description
We are looking for a scientist with international field experience who will support expanding the scope and scale of our research collaborations around the world. We are looking for creative thinkers who can contribute to an early startup in project identification, design, execution, and data interpretation. The ideal candidate is a scientist (we will consider applicants spanning a broad range of backgrounds, e.g. anthropologist, biologist, human geographer) who is willing to learn how to manage a research project partnership from the ground up, and can step into the role of managing projects themselves. This position will report to the Head of Partnership Development.
Alignment with our ethical principles and effective communication in different cultural settings is a must. The candidate is passionate about human adaptation and variation, health, and genetics and is not intimidated by constant research and learning. The candidate will advise on, design, and support projects covering South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Our current projects cover areas of positive adaptation to various environmental conditions and their health implications, as well as disease-focused research on kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Responsibilities
- Identify populations with unique genetic architectures or phenotypes in areas of unmet medical need.
- Create scientific hypotheses and design population or cohort-based genomics studies.
- Identify and set up collaborations around the world for human subjects studies, partnering with academic researchers, hospitals, biobanks, and local communities.
- Work closely with ethicists and cultural anthropologists to co-design the studies together with partner communities.
- Establish and cultivate relationships with partners and partner communities.
- Design and negotiate contracts with partners and service providers, apply for human subjects ethical approval, and coordinate international logistics for project execution.
- Develop and supervise local genotyping and phenotyping campaigns, often “in the field.”
- Effectively communicate scientific results to local researchers, community members, and at scientific conferences.
- Contribute to scientific publications.
Qualifications
- Ability to leave your ego at the door and wear multiple hats in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
- Post-secondary degree in biological anthropology, genetics, evolutionary biology, public health, epidemiology, or equivalent. Ph.D. a plus, but not a requirement.
- Conceptual understanding of the principles of adaptation by natural selection.
- Experience creating and executing field-based human subjects research projects, preferably outside of North America and Europe.
- Well-connected and active in the public health or evolutionary/genetic anthropology field.
- Strong people skills and ability to manage multiple, international partner relationships.
- Understanding and appreciation for differences in global business norms and practices.
- Independent, creative, detail-orientated, and a critical thinker.
- Strong writing skills are a must.
- Disease area, public health, genetics or human adaptation expertise is an advantage.
- Compelled by the company’s mission of great science, a strong ethical stance, and benefit sharing.
Perks
- Opportunity to be part of an early-stage startup entering a rapid growth phase.
- Competitive, industry leading salary, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability and life insurance.
- 401(k) plan that includes an automatic 3% employer contribution.
- Centrally located in Seattle’s Eastlake neighborhood in a