Scientist in Protein Technologies Center - Cell Engineering / Molecular Biology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

Retirement plan

Wellness program

Time off programs

Educational benefits

Family benefits

St. Jude benefits

Job summary

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's Protein Technologies Center seeks a scientist skilled in saturation-mutagenesis reinforced functional assays, site-specific integrase-based stable expression platforms, and genome editing to tag endogenous proteins with fluorescent and affinity tags for structural, functional, and drug-discovery studies.

The role is bench-based, involving CRISPR editing of cell lines, verification of edits, and maintenance of genomic stability across clonal line generation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.
• PhD preferred with at least 5 years postdoctoral experience.
• Extensive experience in molecular biology and synthetic biology applicable to protein engineering.

Responsibilities

• Engineer cell lines using CRISPR gene editing and confirm edits.
• Generate stable cell lines using non-viral and viral delivery systems.
• Develop stable target-overexpressed cell lines, pools, and clones; prepare NGS libraries.
• Handle complex DNA constructs and perform site-directed or saturation mutagenesis.

Tools

CRISPR gene editing

Non-viral delivery systems

Viral delivery systems

NGS library preparation

DNA construct handling

Molecular cloning methods

Job description

The Protein Technologies Center (PTC), within the Department of Structural Biology, is seeking a scientist skilled in saturation-mutagenesis-reinforced functional assays, site‑specific integrase‑based stable expression platforms, and genome‑editing technologies. The scientist will systematically tag endogenous proteins with fluorescent and affinity tags, enabling structural, functional, and drug‑discovery studies, and supporting investigations of protein interactions and localization.

The World’s Brightest Minds Always Innovate

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we know what can be achieved when the brightest scientific minds face the fewest barriers. That’s why we provide world‑class facilities. State‑of‑the‑art technologies. Extraordinary support. And a collaborative, bench‑to‑bedside environment where you can see, firsthand, how your science translates into survival for the children we serve. Quite simply, at St. Jude, we encourage you to dream big and stop at nothing when it comes to finding cures and saving children.

The PTC is a multidisciplinary team spanning protein engineering, cloning, expression, purification, biophysical analysis, and structure determination. Cryo‑electron microscopy has given us a window into the molecular and atomistic details of the cell, and molecular engineering of living cells is how we get there. This is a bench‑based role: the scientist will edit cell lines, confirm that editing was successful, and verify that genomic stability is maintained throughout the clonal line‑generation process — providing pivotal, hands‑on support to structural cell biology projects across the department, both strategically and tactically.

Responsibilities

• Engineer cell lines using CRISPR gene editing technology for generating gene knockouts and knock‑ins (SNVs, gene tags, etc.) and confirm the edits.
• Generate stable cell lines using non‑viral and viral‑based delivery systems.
• Implement advanced technologies to develop stable target‑overexpressed cell lines, pools, clones, and NGS library preparation.
• Proven track record in molecular cloning (In‑Fusion or LIC or PIPE or Gateway or FX; overlap extension PCR/Gibson assembly/BioBrick/recombineering), handling large and/or complex DNA constructs, including combinatorial libraries; site‑directed and/or saturation mutagenesis

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 with a Bachelor's degree.
• 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.
• PhD (with at least 5 years of postdoctoral experience) in molecular biology or synthetic biology, or any related discipline preferred.

Benefits

Your health and well-being are important to us. That's why St. Jude Children's Research Hospital provides employees with high-quality benefits choices.

We are committed to ensuring our benefits are competitive and affordable. St. Jude continues to cover medical premiums for employees and offers low additional costs for dependents.

• Medical & Prescription Drug Plans
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Financial Security
• Retirement Plan
• Living Well - Employee Wellness Program
• Time Off Programs
• Educational Benefits
• Family Friendly Benefits
• Benefits Unique to St. Jude

Have More in Memphis

Get the best of big‑city amenities mixed with all the charm of a small‑town feel when you live in Memphis. From our world‑renowned music scene to our eclectic mix of food and people. Memphis is a place our employees are proud to call home. Our region enjoys a cost of living more than 20% lower than the national average and our state places no personal income tax on wages. Plus, Memphians spend five hours less per year in their daily commute compared to the national average. Learn how you can “Have More in Memphis.”

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 in Protein Technologies Center - Cell Engineering / Molecular Biology.

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St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer