In 2022, businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford committed $150 million to the creation of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego. This gift combines current infrastructure with new Centers intended to leverage the advantages of space-based science, including expansion and, in some ways, quite literally launch stem cell research and regenerative medicine at UC San Diego into new spaces, endeavors, and training of future stem cell scientists.

Sanford Stem Cell Institute provides essential physical and human resources needed to leverage stem cell research currently being conducted at UC San Diego. Due to the complexity of regenerative medicine projects and substantial institutional investment, daily Sanford Stem Cell Institute personnel work with all 9 Vice Chancellor areas: Academic Affairs; Research Affairs; Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; Student Affairs; Marine Sciences; Health Sciences; Health System; Chief Financial Officer; Advancement; Resource Management and Planning.

As part of UC San Diego, Sanford Stem Cell Institute motivates University-wide change, sustainability, and partnership, focusing on creating the structure under which various innovative regenerative medicine units and initiatives are developed.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute builds upon a $100 million gift in 2013 from T. Denny Sanford that established UC San Diego as a leader in developing and delivering the therapeutic promise of human stem cells - special cells with the ability to develop into many different cell types and which, when modified and repurposed, have the potential to treat, remedy or cure a vast array of conditions and diseases.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute includes six (6) stem cell Centers led by Center Directors and Deputy Directors.

1. Sanford Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research (ISSCOR) Center, for stem cell research that will be conducted in a laboratory bay located aboard the International Space Station currently in low-Earth orbit.

2. Sanford Stem Cell Fitness and Space Medicine Center, which conducts in-depth space fitness and orbital medicine that can benefit both astronauts and people living on Earth.

3. Sanford Stem Cell Innovation Center, which will support regenerative medicine company development, including contract research in low-Earth orbit.

4. Sanford Stem Cell Discovery Center, which conducts basic and translational stem cell research.

5. Sanford Advanced Therapy Center, which provides fundamental tools and services to move basic research findings to next stages, such as early phase trials.

6. Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center, which conducts research to accelerate relevant drug and therapy development in regenerative medicine, including clinical trials.

The incumbent will independently oversee a moderately sized academic or research program and represent the program to outside organizations. Oversees all administrative operations, finance, human resources, and facilities for the program. Designs and develops major program components and administers the full range of the program's operational requirements. Works with faculty on formulating short-term and long-term planning and procedures. Works under the direction of the co-directors to establish center agenda, funding, and objectives.

Under the direction of the Center's Director, the Associate Director will take a leadership role in developing, managing, and executing the research program of the Sanford ISSCOR Center and oversee a team of graduate students and research associates that focus on spatial multi-omics, and functional genomics platforms. The incumbent and the team will develop stem cell-derived disease/development models, design and perform both high-throughput and focused (genetic) 'multi-omics' screening at bulk and single-cell level using cutting-edge genomic and post-genomics tools, data analysis, validate, and characterize candidate effectors in pluripotent stem cell-derived models and mammalian cells. Is desirable that the incumbent demonstrate sufficiency in the translational research area, from bench to bedside work, with high skills in analytical methods and interpretation.

The Associate Director will be responsible for identifying intramural and extramural funding opportunities, writing grant proposals and scientific publications, overseeing research projects, advancing genomics, post-genomics (such as proteomics and metabolomics), and epigenomics technologies, supervising graduated projects related to space biology and its applications, as well all elements of program administration. The incumbent will represent the center by giving talks on research progress and accomplishments in internal and external meetings, seminars, and conferences. An incumbent that can demonstrate a strong network with impactful connections, as the position (will also work) requires collaborative work with other investigators both intra- and inter-institutionally or industry partners to design, develop, and execute research projects that use the technologies of the (spatial) multi-omics, including spatial and functional genomic platforms of the center.

• Eleven years of related experience, education/training, OR an Advanced degree in related area plus five years of related experience/training

• Academic background and experience in selected area of research. Expertise in the fields of Stem Cell biology and differentiation models, mammalian cell culture, Functional Genomics, high-throughput screening techniques, molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, and structural biology.

• Advanced knowledge of administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices.

• Hands-on experience with functional genomics such as CRISPR library design and construction, high-throughput screening at bulk and single cell level, genome editing, bulk and single-cell RNA-seq. Extensive knowledge and experience of iPSCs, embryonic stem cells, and their differentiation, disease, and development models.

• Advanced ability to work collaboratively with internal and external peers and managers. Experience in the planning, designing, and implementing collaborative research projects.

• Ability to write grants independently and procure grant funding.

• High analytical skills in cutting-edge methods in multi-omics (genomics, proteomics, and/or metabolomics).

• Advanced oral and written communication skills. Proven scientific writing and presentation skills.

• Advanced ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills.

• Advanced interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results.

• Highly skilled fundraising experience.

• Desirable representatives in STEM (Science, Technology and Mathematics) area.

• Desirable intermediated level in other languages, preferably Spanish.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Irregular hours or on evenings/weekends/holidays as required.

• Willing to work in an environment with biological, chemical, and radiological hazards, and with human Embryonic Stem Cells and animal models.

• Occasional travel required.