Scientist / Associate Scientist – Preclinical Design & Development (PDD) Core

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc.; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 86,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc. seeks a rigorous Scientist for the PDD Core within the Pediatric Translational Neuroscience Initiative.

The role focuses on patient-derived cell model development, high-throughput screening, and RNA biology to advance antisense therapies for ultra-rare conditions. The ideal candidate has plate-based screening experience, RNA biology expertise, and the ability to drive multi-step workflows across parallel projects with rigor and collaboration in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field is required.
• Experience with plate-based screening workflows and RT-qPCR/ddPCR is preferred.
• Strong background in RNA biology and pre-mRNA splicing is desirable.
• Ability to manage multi-step workflows across parallel projects with rigor.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute cell-based therapeutic evaluation workflows with high rigor across concurrent patient cases.
• Derive, characterize, and bank patient-specific cellular models for screening and validation.
• Design and validate quantitative molecular assays (RT-qPCR, ddPCR) and perform readouts to evaluate efficacy.
• Manage parallel timelines and maintain proactive communication with collaborators.
• Maintain documentation, data integrity, and quality control in a Core lab setting.
• Support equipment calibration, maintenance, and stock monitoring.

Skills

Plate-based screening

RNA biology

Mammalian cell culture

Quantitative assays

Parallel project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

Janus liquid handlers

Job description

Join our Team! The Preclinical Design and Development (PDD) Core within the Pediatric Translational Neuroscience Initiative at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

The Preclinical Design and Development (PDD) Core within the Pediatric Translational Neuroscience Initiative at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking a rigorous, execution-focused Scientist with a strong background in patient-derived cell model development, high-throughput screening, and RNA biology. The candidate will execute cellular RNA-therapeutic evaluation workflows across a portfolio of cases with diverse genomic underpinnings. This is an exciting opportunity for a scientist seeking a team-based, project-driven role at a leading research institution. The PDD core advances mutation-specific antisense therapies for children with ultra-rare and even one-of-a-kind (n‑of‑1) genetic conditions. Working at the cutting edge of precision genomics and translational medicine, the goal is to move rapidly from a child’s genetic diagnosis to a potential therapeutic candidate, with rigor, urgency, and purpose.

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is a skilled molecular biologist with expertise in plate-based cellular screening workflows and working knowledge of splicing/RNA biology. We are looking for a collaborative, methodical scientist who is self-directed and at ease with the iterative, fast‑paced nature of translational work.

Preferred Qualifications and Attributes

• Experience with plate-based molecular screening workflows and quantitative nucleic acid assays (RT‑qPCR, ddPCR); familiarity with isoform-discriminating or allele‑specific probe design is preferred.
• Working knowledge of RNA biology, particularly pre‑mRNA splicing, and comfort interpreting molecular readouts in a therapeutic context.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, including complex or patient‑derived cellular models.
• Ability to manage and execute multi‑step experimental workflows across parallel projects with consistency and rigor.
• Comfort adapting established protocols to new cellular contexts and working through scientific uncertainty iteratively.
• Team‑first orientation and comfort with flexible, pipeline‑driven translational work.

What You Will Do

• Design and execute cell‑based therapeutic evaluation workflows and validation pipelines with high rigor across concurrent patient cases.
• Derive, characterize, and bank patient‑specific cellular models to enable screening and functional validation.
• Design and validate quantitative molecular assays (RT‑qPCR, ddPCR) and perform biochemical and imaging‑based readouts to evaluate therapeutic efficacy.
• Manage parallel experimental timelines and maintain proactive communication with collaborating teams to support project objectives.
• Maintain rigorous documentation, data integrity, and quality control standards consistent with a Core laboratory environment.
• Support monitoring and stocking of supplies; calibration, maintenance, or troubleshooting of equipment.
• Contribute positively to a culture of shared responsibility, mutual support, and collective scientific progress.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Core and departmental objectives.

Minimum Education and/or Training

Bachelor’s degree in relevant scientific area, such as genomics, molecular biology, cell biology, is required. Prior experience with Janus liquid handlers is a plus.

Scientist Minimum Experience

• Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required.
• Six (6) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master’s degree.
• Three (3) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD.

Associate Scientist Minimum Experience

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

Salary range

Scientist: $86,320.00 - $154,960.00

Associate Scientist: $65,520.00 - $114,400.00

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 $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role of Scientist / Associate Scientist & Development (PDD) Core.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer.