Scientist – Structural Biology

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

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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.

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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 – Structural Biology.

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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

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