BINA Associate Director

The Organization

As an independent research organization, the Morgridge Institute for Research explores uncharted scientific territory to discover tomorrow’s cures. In affiliation with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we support researchers who take a fearless approach to advancing human health in emerging fields such as virology, advanced multi-scale fluorescence and electron microscopy, metabolism and regenerative biology. Through public programming, we work to inspire scientific curiosity in everyday life.

Job Purpose:

This position will fill a critical role in delivering the aims of the Bioimaging North America (BINA) network, namely bringing together the bioimaging community across Canada, the United States and Mexico to enhance training and expertise, imaging quality control, technology dissemination, data sharing and collaboration and communication between its members. In addition, reaching out to our international partners in organization such as BioImaging UK and Global BioImaging will be an important part of this role. The successful applicant will be responsible for coordinating all significant interactions with the North American bioimaging community, including organizing community meetings and surveys, training materials and website content, and helping to prepare and deliver presentations and publications for the community.

The BINA Associate Director will report directly to Morgridge investigator Dr. Kevin Eliceiri, representing the BINA Executive Committee (EC), and will engage with and support working group chairs and working group activities, in addition to  presenting regular status updates and project reports to the BINA leadership committee and funders. Interactions with our partner imaging networks worldwide to develop a coordinated approach towards enhancing the field of bioimaging will also form a primary role of this position. With BINA’s key role in the MicroscopyDB project the position will also be responsible for coordinating activities of this project, including engaging with the Steering Committee and international network organizations interested in partnering with MicroscopyDB. We seek an experienced project manager wanting to be involved with a dynamic team and be exposed to a constant variety of challenges to address.

This position is currently funded for one year, with the option for renewal of the grant in subsequent years.

Primary Responsibilities

The Associate Director will oversee all aspects of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative-funded BINA project. This includes working closely with working group (WG) chairs and EC members, and engaging with corporate partners, international networks, academic institutions and imaging facilities to continue to grow and build BINA. The Associate Director will help establish the strategic plan for BINA and identify key areas of focus for maximal impact. They will oversee regional training events, national meetings, exchange of expertise visits, quality control management with the metrology suitcase program and professional development programs. Example responsibilities will be:

• Provide efficient operational support to members of BINA: work closely with the EC and BINA Administrator to organize networking activities, funding applications and reports, team member support, communication and outreach/impact;
• Work with the existing WG chairs and WGs to advance the work of BINA in specific areas such as Training & Education, Quality Control and Diversity & Inclusion, as well as establishing new WGs to address additional topics as the need and capacity arises;
• Work alongside the Communications WG to develop the BINA website, prepare communications, draft presentations, briefing documents and background materials;
• Establish and maintain global searchable database for Microscopy Resources (MicroscopyDB) project and establish starting structure, governance, policies for project
• Manage conference or workshop participation and coordination, as well as developing policies and procedures for allocating funds for meetings and exchange of expertise visits;
• Support the planning and organization of events and projects, including building stronger partnerships with our industrial collaborators;
•  Support the network’s efforts to engage in information sharing and joint event planning with other national and transnational imaging networks, e.g., UK BioImaging, German BioImaging and Global BioImaging;
• Establish and develop BINA policies, processes and systems, working with all network members to solve problems and provide solutions, efficiently and effectively;
• Forge relationships with colleagues within the BINA network, in order to advance development and adoption of best practices;
• Help to foster a stimulating, innovative and inclusive cultural environment across BINA, ensuring that processes and policies are visible, accessible and transparent, and enabling network participation by all members of the North American bioimaging community;
• Develop a good understanding of the range of activities, funding profile and facilities associated with BINA members and its partners;
• Work with university, research councils, scientific journals and funding bodies to raise the profile of the academic work of the BINA network through regular presentations and updates;
• Coordinate metrology suitcase program with Admin Team;
• Travel to and present on BINA activities at conferences/ meetings and events (as needed),
• Coordinate Event planning/logistics for one-on-one, small-group (Pop-up) Exchange of Experience opportunities across Canada, USA, and Mexico,
• Coordinate maintenance of financial records sufficiently to be able to provide reporting back to Morgridge/CZI around program spending,
• Coordinate tracking of program performance and metrics for stakeholder (funder, board, WG & member) reporting,
•  Supervise BINA Program Administrator and manage all activities,
• Coordinate overall BINA not-for-profit structure and governance matters to ensure entity remains in good standing legally and financially (policies, procedures etc), including working with Wisconsin Business Innovation, legal and CPA,
• Develop business model/sustainability plan for BINA NFP resilience including coordinating annual fundraising campaign,
• Miscellaneous duties as required

Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations will be considered and may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years previous experience in program or project management
• PhD in physics, biology, bioengineering, biotechnology, biology or chemistry would be an asset and experience coordinating national or international programs and/or networks of scientists is ideal.
• Minimum of five years additional professional experience in academia or industry (postdoctoral training, service provision in a core facility, project management, etc.);
• Knowledge of techniques and trends in modern microscopy and related fields preferred

Skills and Abilities Required:

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills are required for extensive contact with BINA executive committee, BINA members, collaborators and partners;
• Strong self-motivation and the ability to work independently with little supervision;
• Proven track record of analytical and problem solving skills;
• Proven ability to interact with multi-disciplinary and international teams;
• Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities;
• Anticipates needs and problems while creating and implementing solutions;
• Is curious, inquisitive, innovative and never satisfied with the status quo;
• Ability to work remotely from a home office and stay engaged and motivated;
• Willingness to travel up to 15% working hours throughout North America will be required

In order to ensure the safety of our workplace, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required unless an exemption is granted for medical, disability or religious reasons.