HudsonAlpha - Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology ( is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics and personalized medicine.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Finance Department manages all aspects of the financial operation of the Institute, including accounts payable and receivable, recordkeeping and reporting, and audit responses, all within applicable regulations. The department also oversees financial reporting for the HudsonAlpha Foundation and all financial aspects of shared services, including cost centers and purchasing. The department handles many aspects of vendor relations such as contracting and negotiating.

An additional focus of the department includes accounting for the Genomic Medicine program, which includes the Smith Family Clinic and the HudsonAlpha Clinic Services Lab. The department is also responsible for cash management and all financing for all of the entities.

The HudsonAlpha Institute seeks to bring research developments to the marketplace. Because funding sources and requirements vary between research projects, the Research Finance function of the department must review each project independently, seeing that regulations are met and that related costs are recorded appropriately. This includes calculating and applying all indirect costs to applicable grants.

In providing this service, the Finance Division provides valuable data for future financial projections that will assist in evaluating feasibility and economic potential and ultimately fulfilling the economic development aspect of the HudsonAlpha mission.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Buyer reports to the Program and Payables Manager and provides day to day procurement support for the Institute.

JOB SPECIFIC TASKS

• Procures materials and services for the Institute and tenant companies.
• Builds and maintains relationships with assigned Labs/Departments
• Maintains purchasing records in accordance to policies and procedures
• Verifies coding and appropriate authorization in system.
• Prepares purchase orders by verifying specifications and pricing.
• Contacts vendors for clarification or additional information as needed.
• Works independently with decisions made based on established policies and procedures.
• Maintains purchasing records of pricing and terms negotiated with suppliers.
• Responds to internal inquiries about preferred vendors, price and availability of materials.
• Performs follow up correspondence with suppliers as needed on purchase orders.
• Facilitates settlements regarding rejected or defective materials.
• Protects organization's value by keeping information confidential.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities.
• Accomplishes purchasing and organization mission by completing related projects as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE

Education and Experience:

• Three to five years directly related Purchasing experience.
• Associates degree is a plus.
• Experience in a position working within time constraints and meeting processing deadlines.
• Knowledge and experience with OMB or FAR related contract procurement
• Health Science or related Procurement Experience a plus

Required Skills:

• PC and MAC proficient, particularly with procurement systems and spreadsheets; experience with accounting software and/or vendor interface strongly preferred.
• Attention to detail and accuracy, as demonstrated in previous position requiring data entry.
• Strong communication skills, including ability to work with internal customers and vendors.
• Excellent organizational and record keeping skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Deltek Costpoint preferred
• Experience working in a team environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The physical requirements and environmental conditions of this position consist primarily of:

• Sustained standing and/or sitting
• Continuous mental and visual attention, requiring sustained attention and observation
• Ability to focus on tasks despite interruptions and open cubicle environment

It is the policy of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.