Genetics And Genomics Education Specialist

The Bar Harbor-based Specialist will:

• Oversee laboratory logistics for the Teaching the Genome Generation program, providing laboratory supplies and reagents to over 50 high schools across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont;
• Work on a team of educators to create engaging educational experiences to expand and enhance education programs that reflect JAX's mission to become a center of excellence in Genetics and Genomics Education;
• Teach and interact with a range of learners, including high school and undergraduate faculty and students, through teacher professional development and Maine-based outreach programs, and
• Support JAX efforts connected to the Maine State Science Fair and other outreach efforts in Maine.
• Manage Maine-based operations of the NIH funded Teaching the Genome Generation (TtGG) program. Provision supplies, prepare and aliquot basic solutions, pack and ship supplies and equipment kits to partner high schools. Maintain laboratory inventory and equipment, including ordering supplies and performing or scheduling equipment maintenance and repairs. Communicate and coordinate with other program staff to ensure effective management of program across New England. 35%

Key Responsibilities

• Test and optimize TtGG protocols and equipment. Run assays with new reagents and/or new molecular genetics equipment in the laboratory in order to optimize laboratory workflow for high schools. Communicate and coordinate with Principal Investigators and program team for experimental design and data interpretation.
• Collaborate across the genomic education team to build and enhance educational programs, including in-person programs and visits, outreach activities for K-16 learners, community members, and stakeholders and support JAX efforts connected to the Maine State Science Fair. Coordinate and participate in educational outreach activities for a variety of external audiences, including high school and undergraduate faculty and students, community members and stakeholders.
• Provide administrative support to TtGG and STEM programs, including database and website updates and maintenance, vendor contracts, and event planning.
• Teach genetics laboratories and lessons within the train-the-educator programs for high school and undergraduate faculty and provide curricular support for external teachers and stakeholders to use JAX-designed curricula in their classrooms.
• Ability to manage laboratory supplies and operate instrumentation commonly found in a biomedical/genetics laboratory; willingness to learn new techniques and operate new molecular laboratory equipment.
• Oral and written communication skills sufficient to permit clear and effective exchange of technical and scientific information with broad audiences.
• Ability to learn and implement modern software systems necessary to manage lab and education programs.

Application Requirements: Please submit an updated resume and cover letter
Pay range (Hourly): $24.84 - $32.30
About JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.
EEO Statement:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.