Principal Investigator - FAU Amyloidosis Project

A monumental $11.5 million gift from Boca Raton philanthropists Ann and John Wood of the FairfaxWood Scholarship Foundation, will enable Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine to create a game-changing infrastructure that will combat amyloid-related disease using a collaborative, whole-body approach. This transformational gift will establish the FairfaxWood Health & Innovation Technology Initiative, which will focus on the FAU Amyloid Project.

They are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Investigator to lead the FAU Amyloidosis Project within the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. The Principal Investigator will oversee the scientific research efforts related to amyloid related diseases, a group of rare and complex diseases characterized by the abnormal accumulation of amyloid protein in various organs including the brain. The Principal Investigator will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge multidisciplinary research and make significant advancements in understanding the disease mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic approaches to amyloid related diseases. It is critical that the Principal Investigator will focus the project not only on amyloid diseases of a single organ, but will look at the holistic disease burden of amyloid protein on multiple body systems and collaborate with amyloid researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Research Leadership

• Develop and execute the overall research strategy and direction for the Amyloidosis Project.
• Lead a team of researchers, including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research assistants.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and supervision to team members to ensure high-quality research outcomes.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment, encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations with other research groups within the medical school.

 Project Management

• Plan and manage the day-to-day operations of the Amyloidosis Project, including experimental design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Coordinate and oversee research activities, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgetary constraints, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, protocols, and research findings.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including clinicians, scientists, and industry partners, to enhance project outcomes and facilitate translational research efforts.

Research Design and Execution

• Design and implement innovative research studies, employing a variety of methodologies and techniques to investigate the pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, and potential therapeutic interventions for amyloidosis.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements and scientific literature in the field of amyloidosis research, integrating new knowledge into project planning and execution.
• Perform data analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research findings in scientific publications, conferences, and grant proposals.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards, safety protocols, and relevant regulations governing research activities.

Grant Acquisition and Funding:

• Identify and pursue grant opportunities from government agencies, foundations, and other funding sources to support the FAU Amyloidosis Project.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals, demonstrating the significance, innovation, and potential impact of the research project.
• Collaborate with the medical school's research administration team to manage grant budgets, financial reporting, and compliance with funding requirements.

Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in a relevant field of biomedical sciences or medicine.
• Proven track record of leading and managing research projects in the field of amyloid related diseases or related disciplines.
• Strong expertise in neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or other relevant research methodologies.
• Extensive experience in data analysis, statistical methods, and bioinformatics tools.
• Demonstrated ability to publish research findings in reputable scientific journals.
• Grant writing experience and a successful record of acquiring research funding.
• Excellent commun  ication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders and present research findings.

This position reports to the FairfaxWood Chair of Clinical Neurosciences, Michael R. Dobbs, MD, who serves as the chief academic and administrative officer for the department. The successful candidate will possess recognition for achievement in research that would warrant appointment as an associate professor or full professor, although exceptional candidates at the assistant professor level would be considered.

This is a full-time position that will be performed on-site in Florida. Salary commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package.