Scientist for Cryo – Electron Microscopy Center

We are seeking an early career Scientist to work in our Cryo-EM Center at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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.

About us

The Cryo-EM Center at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is at the forefront of scientific discovery, supporting its scientists and investigators in their research pursuits. The Center provides its researchers with an entire Single Particle Analysis (SPA) solution and has rapidly progressed into the domain of Cryo-Electron Tomography. The Center has an exciting opportunity for a cryo-EM scientist who can contribute to world-class science relevant to basic research and impact cancer treatment.

Recently, the Center acquired cutting-edge instrumentation, including a Titan Krios G4 electron microscope (TEM) featuring a ‘cold-FEG’ electron source, a SelectrisX energy filter, and a Falcon 4i camera. The Center also houses a Titan Krios G3i and an Arctica microscope, both equipped with X-FEG, a BioQuantum energy filter, and K3 camera. Furthermore, a 120kV Talos TEM with CETA 16M detector is routinely used for sample screening using negative staining technique. Delving into cryo-electron tomography, the Center has recently installed a FIB-Milling machine, CrossBeam 550. For correlative light and electron microscopy under cryogenic conditions, an Airyscan LSM900 with a Linkham stage is available.

The Center is well-equipped with a range of ancillary instruments for sample preparation, such as ThermoFisher Vitrobot Mark IV, Leica EM GP2 Automatic Plunge Freezer, Leica ACE600 Carbon Coater, Gatan Solarus II plasma cleaner, and PRIMO for micropatterning. The Center has several high-performance GPU workstations and generous storage for image processing. Moreover, the Center is supported by St. Jude’s high-performance computing facility with dedicated GPU and CPU nodes and a larger shared filesystem. The cryo-EM center team comprises four senior scientists with extensive experience in single particle analysis-cryo-EM.

Ideal Candidate

• At least two years of experience in the vitrification of biological samples using semi-automated devices such as Vitrobot III or IV, Leica GP2 plunger.
• At least two years of experience independently operating an Arctica, a Glacios, or a Titan Krios electron microscope.
• Proficiency in SPA or tilt series data collection using programs such as EPU, TOMO5, and SerialEM.
• Hands-on experience with image processing and using one or two programs, such as RELION, cryoSPARC, EMAN2, SCIPION, and model analysis software, such as COOT and Chimera.
• Prior experience in a cryoEM facility setup is highly desirable.

Job Responsibilities

• Support users with day-to-day operations of instruments such as Arctica and Krios microscopes.
• Prepare grids for samples provided by researchers across the St. Jude campus.
• Coordinate with the vendors for the repair and maintenance of the microscopes and ancillary equipment.
• Implement workflows that will help the researchers with their cryo-EM studies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, such as performing FIB-milling. Training can be provided.
• Provide training to the users on instrument operation and sample preparation techniques.
• Stay well-aware about the progress in the field and should present new findings in journal clubs and department seminars.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant scientific area is required.

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.

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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 for Cryo – Electron Microscopy Center.

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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

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.