Postdoctoral Research Associate - Oncology

ALSAC; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

ALSAC invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in the Roberts laboratory of the Division of Molecular Oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

The fellow will explore SWI/SNF (BAF) chromatin remodeling complexes and cancer epigenetics, gaining access to world-class core resources and mentorship, with opportunities to publish and present work. Candidates should have a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: Ph.D. must have been recently earned or expected to be earned, with strong publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Background in molecular biology, genetics/epigenetics, cell biology, and/or cancer biology.

Responsibilities

• Receive rigorous training in scientific thinking, grant writing, manuscript writing, and effective presentation.
• Develop and pursue your own research ideas in a supportive, rigorous environment.
• Collaborate with postdocs, graduate students, technologists, and bioinformaticians to advance cancer epigenetics research.

Skills

Molecular biology

Genetics/epigenetics

Cell biology

Cancer biology

Bioinformatics

Education

Ph.D.

Job description

We are excited to announce a postdoctoral fellowship available in the laboratory of Dr. Charles Roberts in the Division of Molecular Oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Dr. Roberts is a leader in the field of cancer epigenetics, and his research has provided new insights into the central role of chromatin remodeling perturbations in cancer, discoveries that have been translated into investigational therapies for both pediatric and adult cancer patients. His research specifically focuses on SWI/SNF (BAF) chromatin remodeling complexes. Perturbation of these complexes has broad relevance to cancer as at least nine genes that encode SWI/SNF subunits are collectively mutated in over 20% of all cancers, making this the most frequently mutated chromatin regulator in human malignancies. Research in the Roberts laboratory is designed to discover the mechanisms by which SWI/SNF complexes regulate chromatin and transcriptional control and lineage specification, and the mechanisms by which mutation of SWI/SNF subunits drive cancer formation. We also seek to identify specific vulnerabilities that are conferred by SWI/SNF mutation with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic opportunities.

Dr. Roberts’ research is highly regarded and he has been elected as a fellow of the Academy of the American Association of Clinical Research, to the Society for Pediatric Research, the American Pediatric Society, and American Association of Physicians. He is a passionate mentor and is fully committed to training the next generation of scientists. Dr. Roberts leads a very successful, well-funded team with postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, technologists, senior scientists, and dedicated bioinformaticians. He additionally directs the NCI St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center, and in 2027 will relinquish this role to become president and CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You will receive outstanding training in the development of scientific thinking and other skills such as grant writing, manuscript writing, and effective presentation, as well as have the freedom to develop your own ideas in a rigorous and supportive environment. Previous postdocs and graduate student trainees have successfully pursued careers as leaders in academia and industry. A list of previous trainees is available upon request.

The Division of Molecular Oncology and the top-notch core resources at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will allow you access to the world-class expertise and technology necessary to perform high level science. In addition, postdoctoral fellows at St. Jude receive a generous yearly Professional Development Allowance for travel to scientific meetings.

Minimum Education: Candidates should have recently earned/expect to earn a Ph.D., have published in peer-reviewed journals, and have a strong background in molecular biology, genetics/epigenetics, cell biology, and/or cancer biology.

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.

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.