HudsonAlpha - Buyer

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology•Huntsville, AL

About The Position

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (www.hudsonalpha.org) 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. 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. The Buyer reports to the Program and Payables Manager and provides day to day procurement support for the Institute.

Requirements

Three to five years directly related Purchasing experience.
Experience in a position working within time constraints and meeting processing deadlines.
Knowledge and experience with OMB or FAR related contract procurement
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.

Nice To Haves

Associates degree is a plus.
Health Science or related Procurement Experience a plus
Experience with Deltek Costpoint preferred
Experience working in a team environment

Responsibilities

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.