Scientist - Yen Lab/TGEn Group (Hematopoietic Stem Cell, Genome Editing)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Inc. in Memphis, TN seeks a Scientist to advance genome editing in human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and support IND-enabling studies.

You will work in a multidisciplinary TGEn group to develop cellular therapies for sickle cell disease, collaborating across teams to drive bench-to-bedside progress. The ideal candidate will have deep genome editing expertise in HSCs and a strong publication or project history, with opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area is required.
• Master’s or PhD in a relevant field is highly preferred.
• Experience leading and coordinating lab projects is desirable.
• Experience with genome editing in human hematopoietic cells is a plus.
• Ability to present results clearly and maintain thorough documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop genome editing strategies for human hematopoietic stem cells.
• Design IND-enabling experiments to characterize a genome-edited HSC therapy.
• Evaluate efficacy, safety and potency in vitro and in xenotransplantation.
• Perform multicolor flow cytometry and cell sorting.
• Develop methods including RT-PCR, ddPCR, NGS, and single-cell sequencing.
• Prepare NGS libraries and analyze editing outcomes.
• Assess scale-up and transfer of processes to GMP facilities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and maintain progress tracking.
• Draft protocols and batch records for GMP transfer.

Skills

Genome editing

Hematopoietic stem cell biology

Experimental design

IND-enabling experiments

Cross-functional collaboration

Project coordination

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

Multicolor flow cytometry

FACS

RT-PCR

ddPCR

Next-generation sequencing

Single-cell sequencing

Job description

The Scientist performs and/or coordinates a wide range of laboratory research procedures and conducts a spectrum of complex support tasks and projects determined by the field and scope of the particular research study. Also, performs a variety of laboratory techniques independently and presents results. At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, talented faculty and staff work together and with colleagues worldwide to advance the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases. We are seeking an outstanding, highly motivated, and creative Scientist to join Dr. Jonathan Yen's lab and the Therapeutic Genome Engineering (TGEn) group. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and clinical researchers helping to advance genome editing strategies for treating sickle cell disease to a Phase 1 clinical trial. Our ongoing therapeutic pipeline is fueled by internal scientific discoveries directed from “bench-to-bedside” and academic collaborations. Come join TGEn to enGENEer concepts to cures! You will have the opportunity to work with a talented interdisciplinary team of scientists to develop a cellular therapy with the goal of treating patients here at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and worldwide. The ideal candidate will have a strong combination of experience with genome editing and human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). You will also have the opportunity to learn about and support new, exciting projects, including the development and optimization of pre-clinical genome editing strategies to treat hemoglobinopathies and other hematological diseases, process development, and IND-enabling studies (Pharm/Tox). The ideal candidate will bring expertise in hematopoietic stem cell biology and genome editing technologies.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform studies to develop genome editing strategies for human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC).
• Design and execute IND-enabling experiments to characterize the pharmacology of a genome-edited human hematopoietic stem cell product to treat sickle cell disease.
• Characterize the efficacy, safety, and potency of the HSC cellular drug product in in vitro and xenotransplantation assays.
• Multicolor flow cytometry and FACS to sort hematopoietic populations of relevance.
• Develop experimental methods including RT-PCR, ddPCR, next-generation sequencing, and single-cell sequencing.
• Perform NGS library preparation and analysis of editing outcomes, on-target and off-target.
• Evaluate scale-up and close-system processes to ensure reproducibility of the drug product.
• Conduct exploratory research on developing novel in-vitro and in-vivo delivery strategies.
• Interact and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance the program.
• Establish tracking and trending analyses of process development and pilot runs.
• Draft documentation (protocols, batch records, reports) to standardize and transfer process to GMP facility.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the goals of the department and institution.

Minimum Education and/or Training

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area is required.
• Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant scientific area is highly preferred.

Scientist Minimum Experience

• Eight (8) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Bachelor's degree.
• Six (6) 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.
• Experience leading and supporting research experiments preferred.
• Some experience leading lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred.
• Experience in guiding and training other laboratory personnel preferred.
• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role.

Welcome to Memphis

This position is based in Memphis, TN; relocation assistance is available.

Memphis is a family‑friendly metropolitan area that more than a million residents call home.

Memphis is recognized for its world‑class music, food, and hospitality.

Cost of living is one of our biggest attractions; in fact, Money listed Memphis as one of the least expensive cities in which to raise a child.

Mild winters and beautiful green spaces make the city a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts – there are over 200 miles of bike‑friendly lanes with more being added.

Forbes recently named Memphis the 4th happiest city in which to work.

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 - Yen Lab/TGEn Group (Hematopoietic Stem Cell, Genome Editing).

Explore our exceptional benefits!

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer