Lead Scientist - Directing Cryo-Electron Microscopy and Tomography Center

Thecentermemphis; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 125,840 - 238,160; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

Retirement plans

Educational benefits

Job summary

Thecentermemphis is seeking a Lead Scientist to direct the Cryo‑EM and Cryo‑Tomography Center in Memphis, Tennessee. The successful candidate will have a strong background in leading scientific operations, facilitating user training, and overseeing cryo‑EM/Cryo‑ET methodologies. Minimum requirements include a doctorate in a relevant field and significant expertise in high-end cryo-EM instrumentation. The role offers comprehensive benefits, including competitive compensation ranging from $125,840 to $238,160 per year.

Qualifications

• Twelve years relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree, ten with a Master's, or seven with a PhD.
• Hands-on experience with Cryo‑EM/Cryo‑ET workflows.
• Experience supervising or mentoring scientific staff.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee operations of the Cryo‑EM/Cryo‑ET Center.
• Supervise a team of scientists supporting cryo‑EM workflows.
• Ensure high-quality user support and develop training programs.

Skills

Leadership in scientific operations

Cryo‑EM/Cryo‑ET expertise

User training

Data handling

Collaboration

Education

PhD or equivalent in a relevant field

Tools

EPU

SerialEM

RELION

CryoSPARC

Warp

Job description

Position Summary

The Lead Scientist will direct the Cryo‑Electron Microscopy (Cryo‑EM) and Cryo‑Tomography (Cryo‑ET) Center, overseeing daily operations, advancing workflows, supporting institutional research programs, and leading a team of scientists responsible for user training, instrument operations, and technology development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and operational leadership for the Cryo‑EM/Cryo‑ET Center in collaboration with Center leadership and faculty users.
• Supervise and mentor a team of 3‑4 staff scientists supporting cryo‑EM and cryo‑ET workflows, instrument operations, user training, and data handling and processing.
• Oversee day‑to‑day operation, scheduling, utilization, and performance of cryo‑EM instrumentation, including Krios G3i, Krios G4, Talos Arctica, Talos L120C, and Aquilos 2 systems.
• Ensure high‑quality user support for single‑particle analysis (SPA), cryo‑electron tomography (cryo‑ET), cryo‑FIB milling, cryo‑CLEM, and associated workflows.
• Develop and implement training programs for new and advanced users, including microscope operation, sample preparation, data collection, and best‑practice workflows.
• Work closely with investigators to design imaging strategies aligned with project goals and scientific objectives.
• Participate in the development, optimization, and implementation of emerging Cryo‑EM/Cryo‑ET methodologies, automation workflows, and high‑throughput approaches.
• Collaborate with computational scientists and HPC teams to support data management, on‑the‑fly processing, and image analysis workflows.
• Contribute to strategic planning for future instrumentation, workflow development, and facility expansion.
• Maintain and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), usage policies, safety documentation, and quality‑control processes.
• Coordinate with vendors, service engineers, and institutional support teams to maintain optimal instrument performance and minimize downtime.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and service‑oriented environment that supports scientific excellence across the institution.

Minimum Education and Training

Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area is required.

Minimum Experience

• Twelve (12) years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree.
• Ten (10) years of relevant experience with a Master's degree.
• Seven (7) years of relevant work experience with a PhD.

Preferred Education and Experience

• PhD or equivalent in Structural Biology, Cell Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Significant hands‑on experience with Cryo‑EM/Cryo‑ET workflows.
• Demonstrated expertise in operation of high‑end cryo‑EM instrumentation, including 200 and 300 kV TEM systems.
• Experience with cryo‑ET workflows, cryo‑FIB milling, cryo‑CLEM, or advanced sample preparation methods is advantageous.
• Familiarity with cryo‑EM image‑processing software and data‑collection platforms such as EPU, SerialEM, Tomography 5, RELION, CryoSPARC, Warp, or equivalent tools.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience supervising or mentoring scientific staff and trainees.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong commitment to scientific service, training, and user support.

Benefits

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital provides employees with high‑quality benefits choices, covering medical premiums for employees with low additional costs for dependents. Benefits include medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, financial security, retirement, wellness programs, time‑off programs, educational benefits, and family‑friendly options.

Compensation

St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The current salary range is $125,840 – $238,160 per year for the Lead Scientist – Directing Cryo‑Electron Microscopy and Tomography Center.

Equal Opportunity Statement

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer.