Senior Scientist Supervisor

Work Location

Orange, California

Work Shift

Day - 08hrs (United States of America)

Why CHOC?

At CHOC, we strive to be the leading destination of children's health by providing exceptional and innovative care. We are responsible for the overall health of our community's pediatric population in our hospitals, clinics, and practices. And because of our breadth of care, your career at CHOC can be as diverse and fulfilling as you determine. CHOC's compensation structure, benefits offerings, and career development programs are geared to helping you achieve your professional and personal goals. Apply now to see where your career at CHOC can take you.

Job Summary

The Supervisor, Sr. Scientist services as Principal Investigator for multiple programs/projects in the research laboratory. Provides leadership, direction and mentorship to junior scientists and technical support staff within the laboratory. Works with scientists across the Research Institute and serves as a scientific subject matter expert for Research Institute leadership and for the organization. Collaborates with Research Institute leadership on the strategic direction of research in service of the organization's Mission and Vision. Utilizes scientific theory and applications and to apply this knowledge towards the development of scientific experiments to test hypotheses to solve complex research problems. Secures extramural funding for research leading to a better understanding of childhood disease by identifying funding opportunities and writing scientific proposals for submission to peer-review federal and other funding agencies. Serves as the first or corresponding author on at least three manuscripts accepted for peer reviewed scientific publication each year. Oversees the preparation of abstracts and posters for presentation at scientific conferences with the expectation of delivering at least one podium presentation at a recognized scientific conference each year.

Pay Range

Minimum $90,563 Midpoint $120,016 Maximum $149,427

Rate of pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, education, as well as position requirements.

We are seeking a Senior Scientist Supervisor to provide leadership and scientific oversight for two research laboratories at the CHOC Research Institute. This position will play a critical role in both the Hydrocephalus Research Laboratory-which supports a team of 5-8 technicians and scientists-and the Laboratory for Energy Metabolism (E-Lab), which focuses on mitochondrial metabolism research and supports a team composed of two PhDs, three master's-level technicians, and one intern.

In the Hydrocephalus Research Lab, the Senior Scientist Supervisor will manage daily operations, provide hands-on mentorship, monitor research progress, and support experimental design and logistical planning. The role will also facilitate coordination across team activities and help cultivate a high-quality, collaborative research environment.

In parallel, this position will serve as the lead scientist for the E-Lab. The candidate will be responsible for designing and conducting both in vitro and in vivo experiments to study mitochondrial metabolic pathways and cellular protective mechanisms. A strong translational background is desired, with a focus on the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial diseases, their relationship to BH4 metabolism, and potential treatment strategies involving small molecules.

The ideal candidate should have experience with the following:

• Assays measuring mitochondrial complex activity
• Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) analysis
• Lactic acid quantification
• Krebs Cycle enzyme assays
• Redox homeostasis pathways and associated enzymes/metabolites
• Techniques including HPLC, Seahorse Bioanalyzer, fluorescence and confocal microscopy
• Routine molecular biology assays such as Western blot, qPCR, and mRNA data analysis
• Flow cytometry (preferred but not required)

Additional experience should include:

• Proven track record of publications in high-impact journals
• Research experience related (directly or indirectly) to hydrocephalus and its pathophysiological origins

Key responsibilities include supervising and training laboratory technicians, analyzing data, preparing figures and manuscripts, contributing to grant proposals, and presenting research findings at lab meetings, scientific conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced scientist with strong leadership capabilities and a passion for advancing translational research.

Experience

Required: Minimum seven (7) years of scientific research experience. Experience supervising junior scientists and/or laboratory support personnel. Experience obtaining funding for research projects.

Preferred: History of NIH track record of sustained research funding.

Education

Required: Doctoral degree in medical, biological or research-related technical sciences from an accredited college or university

Training

Preferred: Research experience in a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) environment.

Specialized Skills

Required: Excellent oral and written communication skills as demonstrated in publications in peer-reviewed journals. Exceptional interpersonal relationship and collaboration skills. Excellent analytical and organization skills; excellent critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills. Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area. Strong attention to detail, vigilance, poise, and composure in stressful situations. Ability to relate and communicate positively, effectively, and professionally with others; provide leadership; be assertive and consistent in enforcing policies; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure; lead, supervise, teach, and collaborate; accept direction.

Work Environments - Functional Demand:

Light - Moderate energy level Lift and carry 25-35 lbs. Push/pull 50-100 lbs. (ie. empty bed, stretcher).

Physical Activity Requirements:

Bending, Carry Objects, Climbing, Keyboard use/repetitive motion, Pinching/fine motor activities, Push/Pull, Reaching forward, Reaching overhead, Sitting, Squat/kneel/crawl (Squad & Knee), Standing, Talk or hear, Taste or smell, Twisting, Walking, Wrist position deviation

Physical Activity Lifting

Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Constant 67 or more%, Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Frequent 36-66%, Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Occasional 0-35%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Constant 67 or more%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Frequent 36-66%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Occasional 0-35%

Sensory Requirements:

Color Discrimination, Depth Perception, Far Vision, Hearing, Near Vision

Environment Requirements:

Airborn Communicable Disease, Bloodborne Pathogens, Chemical, Dust Particular Matter, Extreme Noise Levels, Extreme Temperatures, Radiation, Uneven Surfaces or Elevations

Non-Discrimination Statement:

CHOC does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, genetic information, disability, sex, gender (including pregnancy, breastfeeding, childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, medical condition, sexual orientation, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or other protected characteristics in accordance with state and federal laws.

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply for positions at CHOC, even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with the listed qualifications for a particular role, as your unique experience may be a great addition to our culture for another one of our opportunities.

If you desire support or accommodations throughout the Talent Acquisition process, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner.