Job Description

Technical Director Cytogenetics

PURPOSE: Maintain and enhance a reference Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory (CBL) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Maintain, enhance and improve laboratory analytical/QA/QC policies/procedures staying in compliance with federal (CLIA) and State (TN) Department of Health regulations and guidelines and preparing for CLIA re-certification in September 2013; supervise the development of additional cytogenetic calibration curves; support cytogenetic-related feasibility studies; ensure that safe laboratory practices are established, understood and followed; enhance and improve a CBL Safety Manual; supervise cytogenetic technician(s); prepare and harvest human lymphocyte cultures and perform cytogenetic analyses (dicentric chromosome aberrations, micronuclei, PCC and FISH-based translocation analysis ); and develop these four major capabilities as resources allow in the 2011 IAEA Cytogenetic Manual and expand/enhance collaborations for distance-scoring of chromosome images with other laboratories.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Guides and directs a research staff in developing and implementing original and applied research in cytogenetics that is relevant to Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) missions.

• Generates and maintains research support for such efforts through DOE and extramural funding, i.e., via Field Work Proposals, Institutes of Health grant applications, Requests for Proposals, etc.

• Prepares for dissemination to appropriate scientific audiences’ reports of research findings, including preparation of DOE and grant-funded progress reports, papers for publication or presentation at scientific meetings, preparation of materials for lectures, seminars, etc.

• Collaborates with other scientists by providing expert scientific guidance and direction involving the development, evaluation, and implementation of cytogenetic technologies in exposure assessment.

• Provides up-to-date expertise in radiation cytogenetics, provides cytogenetic dosimetry estimates in persons referred to REAC/TS because of real or suspected radiation exposures, and serves as consultant and lecturer for REAC/TS courses.

• Serves as scientific advisor or consultant to DOE and other agencies (i.e., National Cancer Institute, Department of Justice, National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, etc.) as requested.

OTHER JOB DUTIES: 

• Serves as a reviewer of research articles related to cytogenetic biodosimetry submitted to Radiation Research, Radiation Measurements, Health Physics Journal, and others as the opportunity presents.

• Maintains and assesses laboratory readiness by participating in exercises involving multiple blind dose assessments.

REQUIREMENTS:

Ph.D. in genetics, cell biology, radiobiology, radiation health sciences, radiochemistry, or related discipline and more than ten (10) years job related experience required. Post-doctoral fellowship in one of the disciplines or related discipline preferred. Must have experience in maintaining/enhancing a cytogenetics laboratory, performing cell cultures, karyotyping of chromosome aberrations, and supervising cell culture technicians. Must be extremely knowledgeable in the field of cytogenetics, radiobiology and molecular biology. Skills and abilities applicable to maintaining/enhancing a cytogenetics laboratory and performing cytogenetics analyses on patients who have real or perceived exposures to ionizing radiation required. Must have knowledge of additional techniques for cytogenetics analyses in addition to the knowledge and ability to perform dicentrics chromosome karyotyping and analysis. Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE “Q” clearance. Moderate travel required including some international travel.