Celia Van Der Merwe
Boston,MA
Summary
Accomplished Research Director with a proven track record at The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, adept in grant writing and fostering global collaborations. Excelled in enhancing research quality, securing funding, and mentoring teams. Skilled in qualitative research and exceptional communication, driving projects to success with strategic management and innovative problem-solving.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Director
The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
07.2022 - Current
- Build NDD community and collaborations, and support NDD-affiliated academic trainees
- Coordinate and draft grant applications, and work with the development office to provide information and materials needed for additional fundraising efforts.
- Foster relationships with collaborators in Europe, Africa and Asia.
- Ensure appropriate communication with all project stakeholders and managers regarding timelines and status, deadlines, data requirements, logistics and all other project-related issues.
- Contribute to the preparation of collaborative manuscripts and other reports.
- Facilitate meetings and conference calls to continually align the team around goals and to recognize and surmount obstacles.
Research Director
The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
10.2020 - 07.2022
- Responsible for the strategic management of the NeuroDev study (https://www.neurodevproject.org/)
- Directing day-to-day operations of the project, as well as driving key points of overlap with its system of collaborators
- Lead external relations, internal communications, and played a key role in applying for grant opportunities.
- Assisted leadership in decision making and mentored trainees and study members
- Developed new project aims, initiatives, and collaborations
- Assisted with design of genomic analysis strategies and training across the NeuroDev team; and modifications and response to queries of the NeuroDev protocol from the IRB.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
01.2019 - 10.2020
- Contributed to the publication of multiple high-impact research articles, showcasing the significance of the findings.
- Presented research at seminars and meetings.
- Leveraged interpersonal and communication skills to mentor PhD, graduate and undergraduate students.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Cape Town
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Data analysis on the Schizophrenia in the Africa Xhosa population study
- Published research results in peer-reviewed journals
- Member of the Global Initiative in Neuropsychiatric Education in Genetics Research (GINGER)
Education
Ph.D. - Human Genetics
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa12.2015
Master of Science - Human Genetics
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa12.2012
Skills
- Qualitative Research
- Research design
- Grant Writing
- Presentations and lectures
- Research procedures
- Data Analysis
- Research protocols
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Excellent Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Project Reporting
Timeline
Research Director
The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
07.2022 - Current
Research Director
The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
10.2020 - 07.2022
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
01.2019 - 10.2020
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Cape Town
01.2016 - 12.2018
Ph.D. - Human Genetics
Stellenbosch University
Master of Science - Human Genetics
Stellenbosch University
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