Associate Scientist - David Solecki Lab (Chromatin Imaging in Neurons)

Thecentermemphis; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 65,520 - 114,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional benefits

Job summary

Thecentermemphis is looking for an Associate Scientist to join the Solecki Lab to advance the understanding of chromatin states in living neurons through innovative research.

This role requires a PhD and extensive experience in live-cell imaging and microscopy. The successful candidate will work closely with biophysics and neuroscience experts, emphasizing experimental system improvements and contributions to scientific publications.

A competitive compensation range of $65,520 - $114,400 per year is offered, alongside exceptional benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of research experience required.
• Experience leading research experiments preferred.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Perform research tasks independently under broad guidelines.
• Take responsibility for biosensor validation and imaging.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team to develop methods.

Skills

Live-cell imaging

Super-resolution microscopy

Programming languages (R, Python)

Experimental design

Data analysis

Education

PhD in cell biology, biophysics, neuroscience, or related discipline

Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area

Job description

The Associate Scientist performs a variety of moderately complex research tasks determined by the field and scope of the particular research project/study. Also, performs tasks related to the research project independently, but within broad guidelines and subject to periodic review by supervisor or other research staff.

Solecki Lab is building an imaging-based biosensor platform that makes chromatin states visible in living neurons and experimentally queryable as a cell‑biological system. We are looking for an Associate Scientist who does not simply want to perform experiments but wants to help build the experimental framework for understanding how chromatin‑state transitions unfold as neurons mature and assemble into brain circuits... by watching these processes happen in real time.

Are you a researcher who wants to be scientifically invested in defining chromatin state beyond the limits of indirect molecular biology approaches? The successful candidate will independently take responsibility for platform areas like biosensor validation, chromatin live‑cell imaging, neuronal differentiation assays, experimental perturbations, or analysis of complex time‑sequence data. The position offers close collaboration with the PI and other team members to rapidly test emerging ideas in chromatin‑state organization, neuronal maturation, and nuclear dynamics.

Join a supportive multi‑disciplinary lab comprised of biophysicists, optics experts, data scientists, cell‑biologists and developmental neurobiologists that unravel how the brain is built during development. You will be on the ground floor of a transformative biosensor platform with exposure to cutting‑edge imaging technologies like lattice light sheet or super‑resolution platforms, data science core labs, and an unusually collaborative environment where new imaging probes, microscopy, and analytical methods converge on fundamental problems in brain development.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• a PhD in cell biology, biophysics, gene regulation, neuroscience or related discipline
• Prior experience in live‑cell imaging, super‑resolution microscopy, and/or imaging probe development.
• Familiarity with programming languages (e.g. R, Python) for data analysis
• Strong record of peer‑reviewed publications
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments and interpret data
• Ability for cogent experimental preparation, validation, documentation, and troubleshooting.

In your cover letter, please describe one experimental system, assay, protocol, or project that you personally helped build or improve. What was not working at first? What did you change? How did you know the system had become reliable? What discovery did it enable?

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.

Minimum Experience:

• 7 + years of research experience is required
• 5 + years of research experience is required with a Master’s degree
• 2 + years of research experience is required with a PHD
• Experience leading and supporting research experiments preferred
• Some experience leading lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred
• Experience in guiding and training other laboratory personnel preferred
• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $65,520 - $114,400 per year for the role of Associate Scientist - David Solecki Lab (Chromatin Imaging in Neurons).

Explore our exceptional benefits!

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.