RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and overseeing the Informatics and Information Technology (IIT) components of the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison partnering with 6 additional institutions and national laboratories. The GLBRC is one of 3 Department of Energy centers to conduct fundamental, genomics-based research on microbial and plant systems required to realize the national need for low-cost biofuels.

Under the general direction of the Scientific Programs Manager, the Director of Informatics and Information Technology (IIT) is responsible for leading a team of over 15 professional staff in the development, implementation, and support of a Research Project based IIT infrastructure. This position provides oversight of the infrastructure in collaboration with faculty, research and operations staff.

Significant responsibilities include providing vision, leadership and problem solving skills in the development of a reliable LIMS system, computational data analysis, to handle the variety of data types generated by GLBRC research and database infrastructure that ensures data integrity, and the development of facile interfaces that meet the needs of researchers in GLBRC. This will require approaches to major problems in the implementation and development of the LIMS that do not have general principles to follow.

The individual requires extensive experience, resourcefulness and creativity to anticipate the Center's unique scientific LIMS requirements and come up with a viable solution. The LIMS system developed at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) will be utilized throughout the other Academic Institutions, Private Industry, National Laboratories and Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs) nationally.

Decisions surrounding the development, implementation and integration of the LIMS Software used by GLBRC as well as other IT and Informatics decisions made by this position will directly affect the Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs) at Oak Ridge and Berkeley in combination with JGI and DOE as well as the other partners and collaborators of GLBRC. The IT and Informatics decisions made by this position will directly affect outcomes of data services and have impact on all three BRCs.

Oversee the technology support of research and operational missions and promote communications, and collaboration among faculty and staff. Develop and lead the strategic and tactical planning to address center-wide issues. Direct day-to-day activities that focus on the highest-quality customer service.

Develop, review, test and certify all back-up disaster recovery procedures and plans to ensure security of all information systems, data, and equipment. Create center-wide policies and documentation regarding operations, computer use, data center facilities, and security monitoring and control. Responsible for the implementation of quality assurance procedures. Establish priorities for the development of new services or methodologies.

Ensure a positive and supportive work environment. Develop individual performance standards for employees and direct progress through regular performance feedback and evaluations. Forecast future staff and equipment needs and secure resources to assure that needs are met. Assess both technical and financial aspects of decisions to ensure feasibility and cost effectiveness. Hire exceptional IIT staff. Orient and train new IIT staff.

Develop an annual IIT budget in consideration with the mission, goals, and objectives for the Center based on annual needs analysis and feedback from the GLBRC Management Team. Monitor IIT expenditures to ensure compliance with available budget. Manage and oversee longrange and short term IIT needs, identification of needs, and purchase necessary equipment to ensure a progressive IIT unit.

The Director is an active member of the GLBRC Management Team, and will be expected to travel to as a representative of the team to meetings and conferences. This is a singular opportunity to play a key role in creating a keystone research center for the first great national challenge of the 21st century, sustainable energy independence.

For additional information regarding the GLBRC, visit our website: http://www.greatlakesbioenergy.org

REQUIREMENTS:
Degree and area of specialization: Masters or PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, or computer science, with a strong biology background or PhD in Biochemistry, Genetics or related field, plus extensive experience in computational biology.

Minimum number of years and type of relevant work experience: 10+ years experience in scientific or biotech environment. The ideal candidate should be a highly motivated team player with strong understanding of biology and software engineering. Candidates should have solid experience building effective tools for scientists, especially in the area of data management. Evidence of outstanding performance in previous roles, demonstrated ability in delivering technology solutions in a dynamic environment while managing customer expectations and relationships are some of the qualifications of a successful candidate.

Outstanding managerial skills, problem-solving ability, prior working experience with modern programming languages (ideally including Oracle, JAVA, C++, Perl, Python, HTML, and XML), knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or other largescale computational data analysis systems, and experience or knowledge in Network Security, Video Conferencing Technology, Firewalls and Virtualization Technology. Ability to support and foster positive working relationships at any level.

Understanding of and experience with project management. Proven expertise to accurately estimate and adhere to budgets and schedules. Excellent written and oral presentation skills. A demonstrated ability to develop collaborative business relationship with national programs and institutions is required.

LOCALE: Madison, Wisconsin, USA

COMPENSATION:
Minimum $106,666 ANNUAL (12 months), Depending on Qualifications

HOW TO APPLY:
Please send resume and cover letter to pvl[at]glbrc.wisc.edu with "PVL #61339" in the subject line.

DEADLINE:
Application must be received by July 2, 2009 to ensure consideration.