Scientist OR Lead Researcher-Preclinical Design and Development Core

If you are interested in developing personalized genomic therapies, join our efforts at the Preclinical Design and Development Core (PDD core) which is part of the Pediatric Translational Neuroscience Initiative at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We design genomic therapies for children with catastrophic diseases, particularly those affecting the developing nervous system as these hold immense potential for promoting longer survival, improved function, and enhanced quality of life. At the core we are leading the scientific operations under St Jude’s new Blue-sky program – GEMINI (Genomic Medicine Initiative) to develop therapeutics for these rare neurodegenerative disorders. As a scientist in the PDD core, you will apply your efforts in designing therapeutic approaches, identifying the lead therapeutics molecule, contributing to the therapeutic approval process, and observing the clinical impact of the drug– a complete bench to bedside process.

In this role you will lead projects that include:

• Engineer personalized oligonucleotide therapeutics for cases enrolled in the GEMINI program.
• Utilize patient-derived in vitro platforms including iPSC and 2D/3D neuronal models to screen candidate molecules.
• Identify the lead drug molecule that will be utilized for the treatment of specific patients.
• Develop laboratory automation workflows to perform scalable oligonucleotide screening.

What will you gain in this role:

• Being a key contributor to the development of personalized therapeutics from patient mutation identification to lead oligonucleotide molecule discovery for clinical treatment.
• Skills, including ASO therapeutics, antisense biology, scalable drug screening, patient-derived iPSCs and neuron platforms, high-throughput genomics, liquid handling automation.

Prior experience in high-throughput molecular assays using hiPSC/derived neuron models or 3D organoids would be a plus.

The job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Establishing neurodegenerative disease models to facilitate scalable oligonucleotide discovery using patient derived iPSC/neurons/3D brain organoids.
• Coordinate and execute the design and testing of candidate drug molecules in patient derived platforms (fibroblasts, iPSCs, and iPSC derived neurons).
• Contribute to the development of individualized therapeutics involving various aspects of projects/processes, workflows, and general operations.
• Operating and troubleshooting liquid handler automation and robotics for high throughput cell-based assays and qPCR (96-well and 384-well format).
• Clearly communicate with internal and external stakeholders (including strategy groups, and industry partners). Represent the lab to present results across various internal and external forums.
• Support monitoring of supplies and maintenance/calibration of equipment.
• Maintain electronic laboratory notebook and paper notebook system to document all laboratory activities.
• Perform other related duties to meet the goals of the department and institution.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

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

Scientist Minimum Experience:

• Seven (7) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required
• 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

Lead Researcher Minimum Experience:

• Five (5) years of relevant, post-degree work experience is required
• Two (2) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Master’s degree
• No experience is required with a PHD

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 OR Lead Researcher-Preclinical Design and Development Core.

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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