ANNOUNCEMENT - Position Available - SCIENCE DIRECTOR for Barth Syndrome Foundation, Inc.

 

www.barthsyndrome.org

 

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR

 

SCIENCE DIRECTOR

 

The Barth Syndrome Foundation, Inc. (BSF) seeks a part-time or full-time contracted Science Director, with a Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field, to administer the BSF research grant program, to coordinate the scientific portions of the international Barth syndrome conferences that are organized by BSF and to develop and coordinate the various operating and strategic scientific efforts of the foundation.  The Science Director will work closely with those in the medical programs of the foundation and will report to the Vice President of Science and Medicine.

 

Barth syndrome is an X-linked, multi-system, metabolic disorder for which the single gene is known but for which the relevant biochemical pathways have yet to be discovered.  BSF’s mission is to “save lives through education, advances in treatment and pursuit of a cure” for this complex disorder.   The international organization was established in late 2000 to focus scientific progress and medical treatment on behalf of individuals with this rare disorder.

 

BSF was founded by a group of family members of boys with the disorder.  In addition to scientific and medical research and awareness, BSF supports affected families through education and other programs.  While families remain central to the mission and operations of this foundation, there is a clear understanding that scientific progress holds the key to the future for these children.  Already, as diagnostic tools, knowledge and treatments improve, these children are living well into adulthood and have an improved quality of life.

 

The world-class BSF Scientific and Medical Advisory Board (SMAB), is chaired by Dr. Richard I. Kelley M.D. Ph.D. and includes Miriam L. Greenberg Ph.D., Grant Hatch Ph.D., Michael Schlame M.D. and Ronald J. A. Wanders Ph.D., among others. The Science Director will work closely with this distinguished group and other prominent members of the research community, including BSF grant recipients. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

• Oversee BSF research grant program; now in its fourth cycle, this program has awarded 14 grants to researchers in four countries, totaling nearly $500,000
• Organize the scientific portions of BSF’s International Family and Scientific & Medical Conferences (currently held every two years but perhaps to be held every three years in the future, with targeted scientific conferences being held every year when the major conference is not scheduled)
• Oversee the scientific aspects of BSF’s International Medical Database and Biorepository (both currently under development)
• Coordinate the scientific projects of our SMAB
• Cultivate scientists for Barth syndrome research
• Serve as the principal BSF liaison with scientists in a broad spectrum of other organizations including research laboratories, large funding agencies (including various institutes of the NIH) and other rare disorder organizations and consortia
• Play a key role in augmenting total funding for Barth syndrome research, both through BSF and elsewhere
• As possible, visit laboratories in which Barth syndrome scientific research is being conducted and in which we wish Barth syndrome scientific research were being conducted
• Attend select professional meetings
• Approach editors of scientific textbooks to include Barth syndrome, as relevant
• Conduct ad hoc scientific projects that arise

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field and at least three year’s postdoctoral experience in a laboratory.  In addition, the successful candidate must:

• Be dedicated to the mission and values of BSF in support of boys with Barth syndrome
• Have the ability to network within various scientific communities
• Operate effectively as a project manager or co-manager
• Be willing to roll up sleeves and get work done
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills

Being located in the vicinity of New York City is a plus but is not necessary. 

 

Each candidate must be available for an interview in New York City.

 

CONTACT

        

Please send a cover letter, resume and references either by e-mail (the preferred method) or by regular mail to:

 

Kate McCurdy

VP, Science and Medicine

Barth Syndrome Foundation, Inc.

P.O. Box 618

Larchmont, NY 10538

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