Lead Researcher - Protein Technologies Center – Blue Sky Kinases

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, invites a Lead Researcher to advance studies in the human protein kinome as part of the Blue Sky Initiative.

The role focuses on molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology to uncover kinase mechanisms and new therapeutic opportunities. The successful candidate will prepare high-quality proteins from bacteria, insect, and mammalian systems for NMR, crystallography, and cryo-EM studies while collaborating across core

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area is required.
• 5+ years of research experience with a Bachelor's.
• 3+ years of experience with a Master’s degree.
• No prior experience required with a PhD.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform and lead molecular cloning and protein purification experiments
• Biophysically characterize the proteins and perform various biochemical assays
• Screen protein crystals for X-ray crystallography and freeze grids for Cryo-EM
• Handle insect and mammalian cell cultures for protein production
• Experience with at least one structural biology technique, such as cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography, and the ability to refine, model-build, and interpret protein structures
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and prioritize experiments for structural studies
• Maintain comprehensive and well-organized experimental records

Skills

Molecular cloning

Protein purification

Biophysical characterization

Cryo-EM

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area

Master’s degree

PhD

Job description

We are looking for a Lead Researcher to participate in our exciting studies of the human protein kinome. This Lead Researcher position is part of the Blue Sky Initiative “Seeing the Invisible in Protein Kinases” at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. The Blue Sky Initiative “Seeing the Invisible in Protein Kinases” is an inter-disciplinary project in the Department of Structural Biology and is supported by US $50 million in institutional funding. This large-scale project leverages ultra-high field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), complemented with cryoEM, X-ray crystallography, data-science and computational approaches, to characterize the conformational landscape of the human kinome. This knowledge will then be used to discover new biology of kinase function and regulation in cells, understand the structural and functional consequences of disease-associated mutations, and identify novel therapeutic opportunities. As a member of the Protein Technology Centre /BlueSky team, the candidate will use molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysical, and structural biology skills to study the molecular mechanisms and structures of protein kinases and their cellular regulatory functions. As a member of the Protein Technology Centre/BlueSky team, the candidate will use their molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysical skills to study the molecular mechanisms and structures of protein kinases and their cellular regulatory functions. Additionally, the candidate will assist in preparing high-quality proteins from various expression systems such as bacteria, insect cells and mammalian cells for structural studies of kinases using NMR, crystallography and cryo EM. The work is diverse, providing an opportunity to study multiple kinases, perform appropriate background research, optimize biochemical and biophysical assays and structural characterizations. Not only do the biophysical and structural studies characterize the molecular mechanisms of protein kinases, but they are also used to discover new mechanisms of kinase regulation and/or new kinase-mediated biology. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offers a remarkable opportunity to perform cutting edge research with outstanding institutional support and exceptional shared core facilities in an environment of open collaboration, educational advancement, and training opportunities. St. Jude is consistently ranked on Fortune Magazine’s and Glassdoor’s “100 Best Places to Work” for companies with 1,000 or more employees. We are located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, a vibrant and friendly city at the historic American crossroads of music, trade, food, and culture. Mild winters and beautiful green outdoor spaces are part of the reasons why Forbes recently named Memphis the 4th happiest city in which to work. Cost of living and high quality of life are other attractions; Money magazine listed Memphis as one of the least expensive cities in which to raise a child. St. Jude facilities and salaries are highly competitive.

Job Responsibilities

• Independently perform and lead molecular cloning and protein purification experiments
• Biophysically characterize the proteins and perform various biochemical assays
• Screen protein crystals for X-ray crystallography and freeze grids for Cryo-EM
• Handle insect and mammalian cell cultures for protein production
• Experience with at least one structural biology technique, such as cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography, and the ability to refine, model-build, and interpret protein structures
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and prioritize experiments for structural studies
• Maintain comprehensive 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 with a Bachelor's degree.
• 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.
• 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 - Protein Technologies Center – Blue Sky Kinases .

Benefits

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.

Equal Opportunity

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.