Associate Scientist or Scientist in Translational Studies in Schizophrenia Models

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc.; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 66,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc. is seeking an Associate Scientist or Scientist to lead an independent translational program using mouse models of 22q11.2 and 3q29 deletion syndromes to restore neuronal function.

The role combines laboratory leadership with collaborative research in a dynamic team focused on schizophrenia mechanisms. Preferred candidates hold a Ph.D. in neuroscience or related fields, with strong molecular biology and in vivo imaging experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area required.
• Experience leading and coordinating research projects preferred.
• Strong communication skills and collaborative mindset required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate multiple aspects of research projects and conduct lab experiments using various techniques.
• Provide input on research protocols and experiments.
• Set up protocols and develop new lab techniques as needed.
• Identify experimental data relevant to analysis problems and summarize results.
• Monitor data quality and integrity of recorded information.
• Draft sections of research manuscripts when appropriate.
• Provide basic lab operations support including equipment maintenance and purchasing.
• Monitor inventory and order lab supplies as needed.
• Calibrate instruments and troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Instruct staff in basic laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Maintain regular attendance and reliability.
• Perform other duties to meet department and institutional goals.

Skills

Molecular biology

ASO biochemistry

Delivery

Validation assays

2-photon imaging

In vivo injections

Stereotaxic injections

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area

PhD preferred

Job description

An Associate Scientist or Scientist position is available for a highly motivated individual seeking to transition from a postdoctoral role to a stable staff scientist position. The successful candidate will lead an independent research program focused on developing translational strategies to restore normal function in impaired neuronal circuits using mouse models of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and 3q29 deletion syndrome. These rare neurodevelopmental disorders are associated with some of the highest known genetic risks for schizophrenia.

Preference will be given to applicants with Ph.D. in neuroscience or related fields, who have a strong background in molecular biology, ASO biochemistry, delivery, and validation assays, or 2-photon imaging of head-fixed animals, in vivo stereotaxic-guided injections of viruses, and strong communication skills. The candidate also will benefit from an outstanding, highly collaborative work environment in which a diverse team of 15 researchers focuses efforts toward understanding the mechanisms of schizophrenia and psychotic behavior at the levels of neural circuits and individual neurons, synapses, and molecules.

The laboratory is part of the Department of Developmental Neurobiology, which houses specialized departmental shared resources, including an integrated support structure for testing rodent behavior, producing genetically engineered animal models and 3-dimensional human brain organoids, in vivo and ex vivo imaging of cells, advanced image processing and analysis, single-cell profiling, and bioinformatics. In addition, numerous institutional shared resources and core facilities support the laboratory by providing expertise and state‑of‑the‑art technologies.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offers an excellent salary and benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinates multiple aspects of research projects and carries out laboratory experiments utilizing various laboratory techniques, and determines whether additional or other tools or methods are required.
• Provides input regarding research protocols and experiments.
• Sets up protocols and assists in developing new laboratory techniques as required.
• Identifies experimental data pertinent to the analysis problem.
• Processes, organizes and summarizes data, reporting these experimental results as required.
• Monitors quality and integrity of recorded information and data.
• May draft sections of research manuscripts.
• Provides basic lab operation support to include equipment maintenance and purchasing.
• Monitors inventory levels and orders lab supplies as needed.
• Performs calibration of instruments and equipment.
• Troubleshoots instrument performance and equipment issues.
• Instructs other staff in basic laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned in order to meet the goals of the department and institution.

Minimum Education and/or Training

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

Associate Scientist 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

Associate Scientist Salary Range

$65,520/yr-$114,400/yr

Scientist Minimum Experience

• Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required
• Six (6) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master’s degree
• Three (3) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD

Scientist Salary Range

$86,320/yr.-$154,960/yr

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 $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role of Associate Scientist or Scientist in Translational Studies in Schizophrenia Models.

Explore our exceptional benefits! We are committed to a human-centered hiring experience. Technology may support portions of our process, but recruiting decisions involve human review and engagement. Learn more about our approach to AI. St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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