Scientist (Genomics / Gene Editing & Bioinformatics) - Wlodarski Lab

St Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 86,320 - 154,960; Full time

Job summary

The Scientist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital leads genetics/genomics research in the Marcin Wlodarki Lab, focusing on hematologic disorders and cancer predisposition. The role blends wet lab experiments with bioinformatics analyses to drive translational insights and publications.

Candidates bring strong wet lab or computational biology skills, with collaboration across interdisciplinary teams, mentoring, and contribution to protocol development and scientific reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area is required.
• Eight (8) years of relevant work experience are required.
• Six (6) years of relevant work experience are required with a Master's degree.
• Three (3) years of relevant work experience are required with a PhD.
• Strong experience in genetics/genomics and gene editing technologies (CRISPR‑Cas9, base editing, prime editing).
• Proven experience in bioinformatics or computational biology, particularly genomic data analysis.
• A combination of wet lab and computational expertise.
• Demonstrated track record of scientific contributions (publications, leadership, or outcomes).

Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, and execute research projects involving genetics/genomics, including gene editing technologies (CRISPR‑Cas9 and base editing) and downstream analysis
• Perform laboratory experiments and apply appropriate techniques; evaluate methodologies and recommend alternatives
• Conduct bioinformatics and computational analyses of genomic datasets, including processing, organization, interpretation, and visualization
• Contribute to the development, optimization, and implementation of new laboratory and computational protocols
• Identify and extract relevant experimental data; ensure accuracy, quality, and integrity of datasets and analyses
• Summarize and communicate research findings through reports, presentations, and contributions to manuscripts/publications
• Support laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting
• Maintain inventory and ensure proper functioning of laboratory and computational resources
• Train and mentor staff or junior researchers in laboratory techniques, data analysis methods, and best practices
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental and institutional goals

Skills

Genomics

Gene editing

Bioinformatics

Computational biology

Project leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Master's degree in relevant field

PhD in genetics/genomics or related field

Tools

CRISPR-Cas9

Base editing

Prime editing

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

The Scientist independently designs, performs, and coordinates a broad range of advanced laboratory and computational research activities supporting cutting‑edge genomics programs focused on hematologic disorders and cancer predisposition. Research efforts span multi‑omics studies (genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics) and genome editing. Particular emphasis is on characterizing novel genes and clonal lesions that drive clonal evolution, and on developing therapeutic base‑editing strategies.

The Scientist develops and executes experimental strategies integrating both wet lab techniques and bioinformatics analyses, contributing to projects that span discovery through data interpretation. This role requires the ability to analyze, interpret, and present complex biological datasets, while actively contributing to experimental design, protocol development, and scientific reporting.

The ideal candidate brings primary expertise in either wet lab biology or computational biology, along with working knowledge of the complementary discipline (e.g., wet lab scientists with bioinformatics exposure, or computational scientists with hands‑on laboratory experience), enabling effective collaboration across interdisciplinary teams.

About the lab:

This position is part of the Marcin Wlodarki Lab at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which focuses on advancing our understanding of genetic and genomic drivers of hematologic disorders and cancer predisposition. The lab integrates translational research, functional genomics, and computational approaches to uncover disease mechanisms and improve patient outcomes. The lab PI directs the institution's clinical Bone Marrow Failure (BMF) Program and co‑leads the PARADIGM gene editing program, creating a direct bridge between patient care and discovery science.

Learn more about the lab's work and related research initiatives on the St. Jude Research page, and explore collaborative programs and resources across the institution at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Job Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, and execute research projects involving genetics/genomics, including gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR‑Cas9 and base editing) and downstream analysis
• Perform laboratory experiments and apply appropriate techniques; evaluate methodologies and recommend alternative approaches or tools as needed
• Conduct bioinformatics and computational analyses of genomic datasets, including processing, organization, interpretation, and visualization of data
• Contribute to the development, optimization, and implementation of new laboratory and computational protocols
• Identify and extract relevant experimental data; ensure accuracy, quality, and integrity of datasets and analyses
• Summarize and communicate research findings through reports, presentations, and contributions to manuscripts/publications
• Support laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting
• Maintain inventory and ensure proper functioning of laboratory and computational resources
• Train and mentor staff or junior researchers in laboratory techniques, data analysis methods, and best practices
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental and institutional goals

Minimum Education and/or Training

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong experience in genetics/genomics and gene editing technologies (CRISPR‑Cas9, base editing, prime editing)
• Proven experience in bioinformatics or computational biology, particularly genomic data analysis
• A combination of wet lab and computational expertise
• Demonstrated track record of scientific contributions (e.g., publications, project leadership, or impactful research outcomes)

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 (Genomics / Gene Editing & Bioinformatics) – Wlodarski Lab.

Benefits

Explore our exceptional benefits!

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.