Scientist - Structural Biology

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

Job summary

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis seeks a Staff Scientist in the Department of Structural Biology to drive interdisciplinary research in single-molecule biophysics of protein synthesis.

You will collaborate with the SMC and other core facilities to translate bench work into insights about translation in human and bacterial systems. The role requires leadership, advanced biophysical techniques, and strong communication skills to present results and contribute to multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area is required.
• PhD is preferred.
• Seven (7) years of post-degree experience with a Bachelor's degree; five with a Master's; three with a PhD.
• Experience with kinetic modelling and data analysis, biophysical chemistry, ribosome and RNA biochemistry is required.
• Experience with fluorescence imaging/spectroscopy, force spectroscopy, or rapid kinetics methods is preferred.
• Experience with cryo-electron microscopy is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead our ribosome research team to reveal mechanistic underpinnings of human and bacterial protein synthesis.
• Learn and utilize appropriate assays to answer biological questions.
• Use SMC instrumentation to test hypotheses and quantify results, including model building and statistics.
• Present research plans and findings clearly to diverse audiences.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Assist in training and mentoring graduate students and visiting scientists.

Skills

Leadership

Kinetic modelling

Biophysics

Fluorescence imaging

Education

Bachelor's degree

PhD

Tools

Cryo-EM

TCSPC

Job description

Job Description

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Structural Biology is seeking a Scientist.

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.

Overview

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join the Department of Structural Biology in a Staff Scientist position to drive new, interdisciplinary research initiatives in the Scott Blanchard's laboratory. The successful candidate will utilize a range of quantitative biophysical and structural methods to explore structure-function relationships in human and bacterial protein synthesis mechanisms at the single-molecule scale. This includes close collaboration with our state-of-the-art Single-Molecule Imaging Center (SMC), which operates fluorescence imaging technologies, including custom-built total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) and confocal time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) microscopes. Our highly interdisciplinary, collaborative, mission-driven environment requires a creative team-oriented individual with strong leadership skills. Experience with kinetic modelling and data analysis, biophysical chemistry approaches, ribosome and RNA biochemistry is required. Experience with quantitative biophysical techniques, such as fluorescence imaging/spectroscopy, force spectroscopy or rapid kinetics methods like quench-flow or stop-flow is preferred. Experience with structural approaches such as cryo-electron microscopy is a plus. In this role, you will be using protein and nucleic acid biochemistry, including expression, purification, and labeling of both proteins and nucleic acids. Expert ability to distill, convey and present complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing is essential, as well as a passion to learn and navigate new research fields.

Responsibilities

• Assume a leadership position in our ribosome research team to reveal the mechanistic underpinnings of human and bacterial protein synthesis. These efforts will benefit from collaborative interactions with St. Jude's award‑winning shared resources, including the Protein Technology Center, Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, as well as Cryo-EM, NMR and X-Ray Centers.
• Adeptly learn and utilize appropriate assays to answer the biological question at hand.
• Utilize instrumentation within the SMC to test hypotheses and rigorously quantify results, including model building and statistical analysis.
• Regularly present research plans and findings in a clear, concise manner to both general and specialized audiences.
• Regularly prepare high‑quality manuscripts of findings for publication.
• Assist in training and mentoring of graduate students, post‑docs and visiting scientists.

Minimum Education and/or Training

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.
• PhD preferred.

Minimum Experience

• Seven (7) years of relevant post‑degree work experience is required with a Bachelor's degree.
• Five (5) years of relevant post‑degree work experience is required with a Master's degree.
• Three (3) years of relevant post‑degree work experience is required with a PhD.
• Five (5) years of relevant post‑degree work experience is preferred.

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 - Structural Biology.

Explore our exceptional benefits!

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world‑regardless of race, religion or a family's ability to pay. Learn more about our history and commitment.

Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital's roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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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.