Associate Scientist/ Scientist Vakoc's lab

St Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 93,000 - 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, a leader in cancer gene regulation and functional genomics.

This role focuses on discovering new therapeutic approaches for childhood cancer and translating discoveries into clinical impact. The Vakoc Lab uses state-of-the-art genetics, genomics, and biochemistry to reveal vulnerabilities in aggressive cancers, with CRISPR screening and in vivo models as core

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field is required.
• Eight (8) years of relevant work experience for Scientist; six (6) years with a Master’s; three (3) years with a PhD.
• Seven plus years of research experience for Associate Scientist; five plus with a Master’s; two plus with a PhD.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support research projects using molecular biology, cell biology, and genomics techniques.
• Perform experiments involving DNA, RNA, and proteins in mammalian cells and using cloning and CRISPR-based methods.
• Utilize mouse and/or zebrafish models to investigate gene function and disease mechanisms.
• Design, optimize, and execute research protocols; analyze and summarize experimental data.
• Contribute to scientific presentations, reports, and manuscript preparation.
• Maintain laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance and supply ordering.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular cloning

Lentiviral vector design

CRISPR-based technologies

In vivo models (mouse/zebrafish)

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area

Tools

CRISPR screening platforms

Lentiviral systems

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.

• 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.

• 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

• The ideal candidate is someone who:
• 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.

This position offers the opportunity to help build and advance cutting‑edge CRISPR screening platforms, identify novel molecular targets, and contribute to discoveries that may shape the future of cancer therapeutics.

The Vakoc Lab fosters a collaborative, high‑energy, "work hard, play hard" culture where scientific rigor, creativity, and innovation drive breakthrough discoveries.

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
• 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

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

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. 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.

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St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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