Stowers Institute for Medical Research

The Stowers Institute has multiple openings for exceptional scientists interested in applying innovative and/or multi-disciplinary approaches to significant and fundamental problems in biology.

Successful candidates will receive substantial ongoing and renewable intramural support as well as access to extensive core laboratory facilities. The current core facilities are staffed by over 100 scientists with expertise in computational biology, cytometry, histology, imaging, microarray, next generation sequencing,transgenic and ES cell technologies, proteomics and molecular biology.

Candidates with Ph.D. or M.D. degrees, postdoctoral research experience, and outstanding records of research accomplishment should send a curriculum vitae and statement of research plans to facultysearch@stowers.org by Oct. 31, 2010.

More information may be found at www.stowers.org. The Stowers Institute is committed to equal opportunity in all its programs.

The Stowers Institute has an opening for the Head of its Computational Biology core facility. The Computational Biology group provides bioinformatics support for the laboratories of the Institute’s 22 principal investigators. The support provided by the group includes service, training, collaborations and the development of new applications in the areas of sequence analysis, expression/ChIP analysis, general statistical and numerical analysis and support for scientific software and databases. The group works closely with a 16-person Information Technology team and Ph.D.-level research advisors with expertise in microarrays, imaging, and mathematical modeling. The Computational Biology group currently includes seven analysts and is expected to grow in size because of the Institute’s increasing needs in this area. The Institute’s endowment serves as the principal source of funding for the group.

The Head of Computational Biology will report to the Vice President of Core Facilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the overall activities of the group and serving as the key point of contact for major projects. The ideal candidate will have a sufficient knowledge of biology to understand and discuss the research questions of a diverse group of investigators, sufficient knowledge of bioinformatics to assess the feasibility of different computational approaches, significant supervisory experience and superlative communications skills. The job is not expected to require significant travel.

The position requires an advanced degree in the life sciences and significant experience leading collaborations between biologists and computer scientists. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience with bioinformatics approaches and at least five years of supervisory experience.

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research has a full-time opening for a Laboratory Technician to provide high quality support service in the Aquatics Facility.

Responsibilities include the care of a variety of aquatic organisms involving: preparing diets; feeding and health monitoring; cleaning and disinfection of cages, tanks, rooms, and equipment; breeding and rearing of stocks; egg collection; water quality management; and record keeping.

In addition to excellent communication skills, highly developed level of attention to detail, the ability to follow instructions, and work in a team environment, the successful candidate will have prior zebrafish (Danio rerio) experience. Candidates with microinjection, genotyping, cryopreservation, and/or re-derivation procedures are especially encouraged to apply.

Minimum requirements include a Bachelor of Science degree in a related field, ideally fish biology or aquaculture, and the ability to lift 50 lbs. In addition, the candidate will be required to become at least ALAT certified through AALAS. Weekend work will be required.

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research has an opening for a Maintenance Helper to provide assistance to the maintenance department members performing renovation, repair, grounds maintenance, or mechanical preventative maintenance work.

Responsibilities include assisting maintenance engineers, yard crew, and carpenters in the performance of their duties such as replacing light bulbs, changing air filters, assisting with snow removal and planting/mulching/mowing in the summer months, cleaning mechanical areas, and assisting Technical Services staff with moving equipment.

In addition to excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment, the successful candidate must also have good mechanical and technical aptitude and the ability to exercise good judgement.

Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or GED and a current valid driver’s license. Those with prior experience or training in the building trades including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and automotive engineering are highly encouraged to apply.

The Stowers Institute has two openings for Programmer Analysts to assist the Bioinformatics Center with data analysis and programming tasks.

The Programmer Analyst will use computational tools to transform, visualize, and analyze large biological data sets primarily derived from high-throughput sequencing or microarrays.

Minimum requirements include an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or a related discipline; Proficiency with Perl, Python, or Ruby; Experience working in a Unix/Linux environment; Basic knowledge of Statistics.

Candidates with R or Bioconductor experience are especially encouraged to apply.

The Stowers Institute has an opening for a research specialist with excellent expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry techniques to assist with project management and scientific experiments on transcriptional regulatory networks.

Responsibilities include performing molecular biology, biochemistry, and genomics experiments using Drosophila as a model system, data analysis, as well as scientific writing and presentation.

The successful candidate will have prior experience at a senior level in a basic research laboratory, excellent organization and communication skills, highly developed level of attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field. Candidates with Drosophila experience or bioinformatics/programming skills are especially encouraged to apply.

Applicants for research positions should send a resume, official transcripts and two reference letters to careers@stowers.org. or:

     Administration Department
     Stowers Institute for Medical Research
     1000 East 50th Street
     Kansas City, MO 64110
     Apply Now

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research has an opening for a Research Technician to support a lab focusing on diseases of craniofacial development and organogenesis in a variety of model specimens.

Responsibilities include genotyping and maintaining of all animal lines, performing dedicated research projects, lab organization and maintenance of supplies, and other duties as requested by supervisor.

In addition to excellent communications skills, and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment, the successful candidate will have previous research experience in the areas of developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology (i.e. cloning, transgenic and knockout technology, PCR, western blotting, Northern and in situ hybridization).

Minimum requirements include an undergraduate degree in biology or a related discipline. Those with higher degrees and/or experience in genetics, embryogenesis, cell culture and microscopy are highly encouraged to apply. careers@stowers.org or:

     Administration Department
     Stowers Institute for Medical Research
     1000 East 50th Street
     Kansas City, MO 64110
     Apply Now

The Molecular Biology Group at the Stowers Institute has an opening for a highly motivated Research Technician.

The successful candidate will work with the Microarray/qPCR team to support members of the Institute in conducting Genomics experiments.

He/she will be using state of the art techniques in molecular biology, microarray, and quantitative PCR. Responsibilities may also include evaluating new techniques and technology; as well as primary data analysis.

Candidates should possess a positive attitude and willingness to learn, effectively function in a team-oriented environment, pay attention to detail, and have excellent communication skills.

Minimum requirements include an undergraduate degree in biology or a related field. Those with prior research experience (particularly with Affymetrix or Agilent microarray platforms or high-throughput qPCR) are especially encouraged to apply.

Applicants for research positions should send a resume, official transcripts and two reference letters to careers@stowers.org or:

     Administration Department
     Stowers Institute for Medical Research
     1000 East 50th Street
     Kansas City, MO 64110
     Apply Now

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research has an opening for a Research Technician to support research on genetics and biochemistry of lipid storage and mobilization, using the nematode C. elegans as a model organism.

The successful candidate will use one or more of the following technologies: molecular biology, proteomics and optical imaging, to carry out independent research and assist fellow lab members with ongoing experiments. The candidate should have demonstrated success in prior research experience, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Interested candidates should send a (1) resume, (2) copies of transcripts from colleges and universities attended, and (3) two letters of recommendation to Dr. Ho Yi Mak at hym@stowers.org, and to careers@stowers.org.

There is an opening in Zeitlinger lab at the Stowers Institute for a Research Technician to support research on gene regulatory networks that underlie cellular differentiation.

Responsibilities include performing molecular biology, biochemistry, and genomics experiments using Drosophila as a model system under the supervision of senior researchers.

The successful candidate will have excellent organization and communication skills, a highly developed level of attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field. Candidates with a Masters degree and prior research experience are especially encouraged to apply.

Applicants for research positions should send a resume, official transcripts and two reference letters to careers@stowers.org or:

     Administration Department
     Stowers Institute for Medical Research
     1000 East 50th Street
     Kansas City, MO 64110
     Apply Now

The Stowers Institute seeks a Science Writer to manage a variety of communications and outreach initiatives related to the Institute's basic biomedical research.

Responsibilities include writing for both scientific and lay audiences, including production of magazine-style publications and newsletters; drafting and coordinating press releases; managing Web content for www.stowers.org; writing research grant proposals; and editing scientific manuscripts. This position reports to the Institute's President.

In addition to excellent verbal and written communication skills, the successful candidate will be able to work independently and will represent the Institute with a high level of professionalism and scientific credibility.

The minimum requirements include a Ph.D. in biology (or a related field). Experience in science writing is preferred. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume or CV, references, and three writing samples to careers@stowers.org or:

     Administration Department
     Stowers Institute for Medical Research
     1000 East 50th Street
     Kansas City, MO 64110
     Apply Now

Benefits Overview Summary

*Members (Full-time & Part-time greater than or equal to 20 hours/week)
January 1, 2010

Medical Insurance/ Pharmacy Coverage	Medical Insurance and Pharmacy coverage is available to eligible members and their eligible dependents. Individuals have a choice between two plans which are provided through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas City:� the Blue Care HMO Plan (premium is fully paid by the Company) and the Preferred Care Blue PPO Plan (premium is partially paid by the participant, on a pre-tax basis).�
Dental Insurance	Dental insurance is available at no cost for monthly premiums to eligible members and their eligible dependents.� Coverage is through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas City � Preferred Care Dental Plan and includes both in-network and out-of network options.
Vision Coverage	Vision coverage is available to eligible members and their eligible dependents on a voluntary basis through Vision Signature Plan (VSP).� The premium is fully paid by the participant, on a pre-tax basis.� Coverage begins first day of the month coinciding with, or following date of hire/eligibility.
Life Insurance	Term Life Insurance coverage and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage is provided at no cost to all eligible members.� Coverage is equal to two times a member�s base annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000 to a maximum of $500,000.� Members may also purchase Additional Life Insurance on themselves, Spouse Life Insurance, and/or Dependent Life Insurance.
Tax Savings Plan	Non-reimbursable Health Care Expenses (participant annual limit = $5,000) Child/Dependent Care Expenses (household annual limit = $5,000)
Stowers Group Retirement Plan	Eligible members receive contribution of 15% of their eligible annual salary each year into a retirement account as long as the contributions do not exceed limits fixed by law.� Contributions will begin upon qualification of the member as set forth in the plan.�
403(b) Savings Plan	Members may contribute between 1% and 50% of their salary each pay period, up to the allowable contribution set by law, on a tax-deferred basis.� The Plan allows for both Traditional (pre-tax) and Roth (after-tax) salary deferrals.
Holiday Leave	Eligible members are entitled to 11 major holidays per year to include:� New Year�s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President�s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and Day after Christmas.�
Vacation Leave	Full-time members accrue from 120 - 200 hours of paid vacation leave per year (to a maximum of 4.615 - 7.692 hours per pay period) based on job classification and length of service. Vacation accrual begins on the first day of employment or transfer to a benefit eligible position.� Vacation may be taken only if it has been accrued.� Unused vacation may be accrued to a maximum of 240 hours.
Sick Leave	Full-time members receive 40 hours of sick leave upon joining the Company.� The member will then accrue sick leave on an hourly basis to a maximum of two hours per pay period not to exceed a maximum total of 72 hours. Sick leave accrual begins on the first day of employment or transfer to a benefit eligible position.� Paid sick leave may be taken only if it has been accrued.� Unused sick leave may be carried over from year to year to a maximum of 72 hours. Part-time members regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week will receive sick leave benefits on a pro rata basis.
Short Term Disability	Short Term Disability is provided at no cost to all eligible members. Full-time and eligible part-time members may use Short Term Disability for their own personal illness or injury. Short Term Disability pays 100% of a member�s base pay after an illness or injury exceeds five days (one workweek).� Medical substantiation is required prior to receiving Short Term Disability.
Long Term Disability	Long Term Disability is provided at no cost to all eligible members and may be applied for after the initial 60-day elimination period covered by Sick Leave (if accrued) and Short Term Disability.� Long Term Disability pays 60% of monthly base pay (up to a maximum of $10,000.00 per month).�
Parental Leave	Full-time members are entitled to five paid parental leave days upon the occurrence of the birth or adoption of a child/children.� Paid parental leave days must be used all at one time, and must be used within six months of the occurrence.
Bereavement Leave	Full-time members are entitled to take up to three consecutive workdays with pay to attend the funeral and take care of personal matters relating to the death of a parent, spouse, spouse�s parent, child, spouse�s child, brother, sister, grandparent or grandchild.� One day of paid leave is available for the death of a brother-in-law, sister-in-law, spouse�s grandparent, a spouse�s grandchild, or any of the extended family living in the individual�s home.� In addition, full-time members will receive an additional two days for travel if the funeral is more than 300 miles from Kansas City.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)	An Employee Assistance Program is provided at no cost to all members, fellows, graduate students and others who receive direct or indirect remuneration from their employer, and individuals significant to them. New Directions, a nationally recognized EAP company, provides a free, confidential EAP that includes the following services: phone consultants available 24/7; up to six face-to-face counseling sessions (per incident) per participant; interactive online resource covering a wide range of topics including Family Life, Stress, Finances, Legal, Health and Wellness, Emotional Wellbeing and Business Management and referrals to resources, services and support in the community.
Fitness Center	The Health Club located at The Stowers Institute is available for use by Covered Individuals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.�� On each visit a SGC member, fellow, or student (�Host�) may have one Guest who is not a family member and a reasonable number of family members as Guests.� Hosts must be on the Institute premises while their Guest(s) use the Health Club and are asked to limit the number of Guests during times of peak usage.

Note:� Benefits are available for members regularly scheduled for 20 or more hours per week, unless noted differently in the contents of this document.� Leave plans are pro-rated based on a part-time member�s regular schedule.� Part-time members are generally entitled to holiday pay if they are regularly scheduled to work on the holiday.� Additional benefit information and materials will be provided upon hire date.� This overview is intended as a summary only, and the specific terms of each individual benefit plan and leave policy govern.� Please consult the applicable policies and plan documents for full details.
* Postdoctoral and senior research associates are classified as �members� and fall within the guidelines of these benefits.�� A separate package of benefits has been designed for postdoctoral and senior research fellows to ensure they maintain an equitable status with other postdocs.� Postdoc and senior research fellow benefits information is available upon request.

Medical Insurance/