Associate Scientist/ Scientist Vakoc's lab

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc.; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 86,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis seeks an Associate Scientist or Scientist to join Dr. Christopher Vakoc's laboratory, advancing cancer gene regulation and functional genomics for childhood cancers with translational impact.

The role emphasizes CRISPR-based screening, genome-scale analyses, and collaboration across bench-to-bedside projects using mouse and zebrafish models and in vivo systems.

Qualifications

• Background in molecular biology with DNA/RNA/protein analysis experience.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and cellular assays.
• Proficiency in gene editing and functional genomics techniques.
• Experience using in vivo mouse and/or zebrafish models.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support research projects using molecular biology, cell biology, and genomics techniques.
• Perform experiments involving DNA, RNA, and protein analysis, mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, lentiviral systems, and CRISPR-based technologies.
• Utilize mouse and/or zebrafish models to investigate gene function, disease mechanisms, and cellular pathways.
• Design, optimize, and execute research protocols; analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data.
• Contribute to scientific presentations, reports, and manuscript preparation.
• Maintain laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, inventory management, and supply ordering.
• Train and support laboratory personnel in standard techniques and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and institutional research goals.

Skills

Molecular biology

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular cloning

Lentiviral design

CRISPR-based technologies

In vivo mouse models

Zebrafish models

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field

Master’s degree with 6+ years of experience

PhD with 3+ years of experience

Tools

Lentiviral systems

CRISPR technologies

Mouse models

Zebrafish models

Job description

Join Our Team! At St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, we believe extraordinary breakthroughs become possible when the world's brightest scientific minds face the fewest barriers. That's why we provide world-class facilities, cutting-edge technologies, and exceptional scientific support in a highly collaborative bench-to-bedside environment. Here, researchers see firsthand how their discoveries translate into better treatments, higher survival rates, and hope for children around the world. Simply put, at St. Jude, we empower scientists to think boldly, pursue ambitious ideas, and stop at nothing in the pursuit of cures and saving children's lives.

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist or Scientist to join Dr. Christopher Vakoc's laboratory, a leader in cancer gene regulation and functional genomics. This is an exciting opportunity for a scientist who is passionate about discovering new therapeutic approaches for childhood cancer and translating fundamental biological discoveries into clinical impact.

About the Vakoc Laboratory

The Vakoc Laboratory investigates how transcription factors, chromatin regulators, and other gene regulatory mechanisms control cancer cell identity and drive tumor progression. The lab combines state-of-the-art genetic, genomic, and biochemical approaches to uncover vulnerabilities in aggressive and currently incurable cancers. A major focus of the laboratory is the development and application of innovative CRISPR-Cas9 screening technologies to identify cancer-specific genetic dependencies and reveal novel therapeutic targets.

• Mapping unique genetic dependencies in incurable human cancers.
• Investigating mechanisms of lineage plasticity across diverse cancer types.
• Advancing cancer genetic vulnerabilities into actionable drug targets through high-resolution biochemical and functional studies.
• Evaluating the therapeutic potential of emerging cancer targets using sophisticated in vivo genetic models.
• Developing innovative treatment strategies that reprogram tumor cells into terminally differentiated states.

What We're Looking For

We are interested in candidates who demonstrate exceptional scientific curiosity, resilience, and a desire to tackle challenging biological questions with meaningful clinical impact. Successful candidates will have experience in several of the following areas:

• Molecular biology techniques involving DNA, RNA, and protein analysis.
• Mammalian tissue culture and cellular assays.
• Molecular cloning and genetic engineering.
• Lentiviral vector design and transduction.
• Functional genomics or CRISPR-based technologies.
• In vivo research using mouse models and/or zebrafish models.
• Investigation of gene function and cellular mechanisms.

While experience in biochemistry is not a primary focus for this role, strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology is highly desirable.

Ideal Candidate

• Has a demonstrated track record of taking on ambitious scientific challenges.
• Is motivated by making a direct impact on the lives of children with cancer.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, discovery-driven environment.
• Possesses strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Enjoys working collaboratively while maintaining scientific independence.
• Has a history of productivity during graduate or postdoctoral training, with publications preferred but not required for exceptional candidates.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct and support research projects using molecular biology, cell biology, and genomics techniques.
• Perform experiments involving DNA, RNA, and protein analysis, mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, lentiviral systems, and CRISPR-based technologies.
• Utilize mouse and/or zebrafish models to investigate gene function, disease mechanisms, and cellular pathways.
• Design, optimize, and execute research protocols; analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data.
• Contribute to scientific presentations, reports, and manuscript preparation.
• Maintain laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, inventory management, and supply ordering.
• Train and support laboratory personnel in standard techniques and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and institutional research goals.

Minimum Education and/or Training

Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.

• Scientist Minimum Experience: Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required.
• Scientist Minimum Experience: Six (6) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master's degree.
• Scientist Minimum Experience: Three (3) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD.
• Associate Scientist Minimum Experience: 7 + years of research experience is required.
• Associate Scientist Minimum Experience: 5 + years of research experience is required with a Master’s degree.
• Associate Scientist Minimum Experience: 2 + years of research experience is required with a PHD.

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/ Scientist Vakoc's lab.

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

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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