Lead Researcher - In Vivo & In Vitro Screening

ALSAC; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital seeks a Lead Researcher to advance pediatric cancer therapies, focusing on leukemia and medulloblastoma. You will lead in vitro and in vivo drug screening using patient-derived models and apply short- and long-read RNA sequencing to uncover mechanisms of drug response.

The ideal candidate has hands-on molecular biology experience, flow cytometry, sequencing skills, and a collaborative, translational mindset aimed at improving therapies for children.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field is required.
• 5+ years of research experience is required; 3+ years with a Master's degree.
• Hands-on molecular biology experience and understanding of lab principles are essential.
• Experience in R&D methods and executing research projects in a lab setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform in vitro and in vivo drug screening using leukemia and medulloblastoma models.
• Design dose–response, viability, combination, and drug-synergy studies.
• Develop and troubleshoot cell-based and molecular assays.
• Utilize RNA-seq and other genomics approaches to study therapeutic mechanisms.
• Analyze data and prioritize candidates for in vivo validation.
• Coordinate in vivo efficacy studies and maintain organized records.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Flow cytometry

Western blotting

Genomics

Drug screening

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant science

Tools

RNA sequencing

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Lead Researcher to investigate therapeutic approaches for pediatric cancers, with a focus on leukemia and medulloblastoma. Our research integrates cancer biology, molecular biology, functional genomics, and translational science.

The successful candidate will lead and support in vitro and in vivo drug screening, including dose-response, combination therapy, and synergism studies, and use molecular and cellular approaches to define mechanisms of drug response. Projects will incorporate short and long-read RNA sequencing and other genomic approaches to generate mechanistic insights, with validation using molecular biology and cell-based assays. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in molecular and cell biology, including cell culture, flow cytometry, DNA/RNA isolation, western blotting and functional assays. Experience with drug screening, genomics, cancer models, or in vivo studies is highly desirable. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to translational research aimed at developing improved therapies for children with cancer.

This Position May be Ideal For:

• Master’s level graduates with extensive laboratory experience looking to establish a track record of research productivity, including gaining high-position authorships on publications.
• Recent PhDs or research staff looking for an enriching, collaborative, and interdisciplinary lab environment committed to discovering new biology in the field of high-risk leukemia research.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead and performin vitro and in vivo drug screeningstudies using established primary and patient-derived leukemia and medulloblastoma models

• Design and executedose-response, viability, combination, and drug-synergy studies

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshootcell-based and molecular assays

• Utilizeshort- and long-read RNA-seqand other genomics approaches to investigate mechanisms of therapeutic response

• Analyze and interpret experimental data, prioritize candidates to advance studies towardin vivo validation

• Design and/or coordinatein vivo efficacy studies

• Maintaincomprehensive and well-organized experimental records

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area is required

Minimum Experience:

• 5+ years of research experience is required
• 3+ years of experience is required with a Master’s degree
• No prior experience required with a PHD
• Strong knowledge and experience in understanding and application of underlying principles related to techniques being performed
• Experience in R&D methods and processes in lab setting, and execution of research projects for the laboratory 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 $60,320 - $105,040 per year for the role of Lead Researcher - In Vivo & In Vitro Screening.

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St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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