Chemistry Associate Scientist in Kalodimos Lab

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 65,520 - 114,400; Full time

Job summary

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis is seeking an Associate Scientist to join the Blue Sky Protein Kinases team within the Department of Structural Biology.

The role focuses on designing, synthesizing, and optimizing stable isotope–labeled amino acids for protein NMR studies and delivering reagents to the protein preparation team. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in multi-step gram-scale synthesis, amino acid purification, and protein NMR applications with isotopes, and

Qualifications

• 7+ years of research experience with a Bachelor’s degree; 5+ years with a Master’s degree; 2+ years with a PhD.
• Extensive hands-on experience in gram-scale synthesis of complex compounds, including stable isotope–labeled compounds.
• Strong expertise in amino acid purification and analytical methods.
• Solid understanding of protein NMR applications utilizing stable isotopes.
• Familiarity with cell-based and cell-free protein synthesis systems for isotope-labeled protein production.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple research projects and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and optimize stable isotope–labeled amino acids and derivatives for isotope-labeled proteins used in protein NMR studies.
• Perform separation, purification, and analytical characterization of amino acids.
• Operate and maintain synthetic chemistry equipment and manage synthesis schedules to ensure timely project completion.
• Deliver synthesized reagents to the protein preparation team to meet project deadlines.

Skills

Multi-step synthesis

Stable isotope labeling

Amino acid purification

Protein NMR

Cell-free protein synthesis

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area

Tools

Analytical equipment

Synthesis equipment

Job description

We are seeking an Associate Scientist to join our Blue Sky Protein Kinases team in the Department of Structural Biology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we know what can be achieved when the brightest scientific minds face the fewest barriers. That’s why we provide world‑class facilities. State‑of‑the‑art technologies. Extraordinary support. And a collaborative, bench‑to‑bedside environment where you can see, firsthand, how your science translates into survival for the children we serve. Quite simply, at St. Jude, we encourage you to dream big and stop at nothing when it comes to finding cures and saving children.

Key Responsibilities For This Role

• Design, synthesize, and optimize stable isotope–labeled amino acids and related derivatives that serve as precursors for isotope‑labeled proteins used in protein NMR studies.
• Perform separation, purification, and analytical characterization of amino acids.
• Operate and perform routine maintenance of synthetic chemistry equipment, and manage personal synthesis schedules to ensure timely project completion.
• Deliver synthesized reagents to the protein preparation team in a timely manner to meet project deadlines.

The World’s Best Stop at Nothing

There’s a reason St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is consistently ranked on Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work” list. Actually, there’s more than 5,500 reasons. At our world‑class pediatric research hospital, every one of our 5,500 professionals shares our commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children we serve. There’s a unique bond when you are part of a team that will stop at nothing to advance the treatments and cures of pediatric catastrophic diseases. The result is a collaborative, positive environment where all employees, regardless of their role, receive the resources, support, and encouragement to advance and grow their careers.

Preferred Candidate

• Extensive hands‑on experience in multi‑step (≥10 steps) gram‑scale synthesis of complex compounds; experience with stable isotope–labeled compounds is highly desirable.
• Strong expertise in amino acid purification and analytical methods.
• Solid understanding of protein NMR applications utilizing stable isotopes.
• Familiarity with cell‑based (e.g., bacterial or insect) and cell‑free protein synthesis systems for stable isotope‑labeled protein production.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously, maintain thorough daily documentation of experimental work, and consistently meet deadlines.

Have More in Memphis

Get the best of big‑city amenities mixed with all the charm of a small‑town feel when you live in Memphis. From our world‑renowned music scene to our eclectic mix of food and people. Memphis is a place our employees are proud to call home. Our region enjoys a cost of living more than 20% lower than the national average and our state places no personal income tax on wages. Plus, Memphians spend five hours less per year in their daily commute compared to the national average. Learn how you can “Have More in Memphis.”

Minimum Education and/or Training

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area.

Minimum Experience

• 7 + years of research experience is required with a Bachelor’s degree.
• 5 + years of research experience is required with a Master’s degree.
• 2 + years of research experience is required with a PhD.

Benefits

Your health and well‑being are important to us. That’s why St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital provides employees with high‑quality benefits choices.

We are committed to ensuring our benefits are competitive and affordable. St. Jude continues to cover medical premiums for employees and offers low additional costs for dependents.

View all the benefits offered including Medical & Prescription Drug Plans, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Financial Security, Retirement Plan, Living Well - Employee Wellness Program, Time Off Programs, Educational Benefits, Family Friendly Benefits, and Benefits Unique to St. Jude.

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 Chemistry Associate Scientist in Kalodimos Lab.

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St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer