We are looking for an experienced cell biologist to participate in our exciting studies of the human protein kinome.
This Senior Scientist position is part of the Blue Sky Initiative "Seeing the Invisible in Protein Kinases" at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
As a member of the Cell-Based Assays team, the candidate will use their molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell culture skills to perform research that translates novel insights regarding kinase structure and regulation in vitro into functional effects in cells. Additionally, the candidate will assist in performing cell-based analysis in high-, medium-, and low-throughput platforms of candidate inhibitors of kinases.
The work is diverse providing an opportunity to study multiple kinases, perform appropriate background research, optimize cell-based assays of various types using many different cell lines or primary cells. Not only are the cell-based studies used to validate the structural findings, but they are also used to discover new kinase-mediated biology or new mechanisms of kinase regulation.
Responsibilities:
- Research kinase-mediated signaling pathways, kinase targets or kinase-dependent phosphorylation events, and cellular outcomes of such pathways for assigned kinase projects
- Identify appropriate cellular assays and cells to perform structure-guided analysis of kinase signaling output and cellular phenotypes related to structure-guided perturbations in kinase regulation or function
- Develop strategies and plans for implementing cell-based assays, including but not limited to evaluation of protein phosphorylation, protein interaction, protein localization, RNA abundance (qRT-PCR), protein ubiquitination, and protein abundance
- Develop strategies and plans for implementing cell-based phenotypic assays, including but not limited to viability, apoptosis, autophagy, migration, or differentiation
- Perform optimization and troubleshooting of cell-based assays
- Perform statistical analysis using graphing software or R scripts
- Interpret, analyze, and communicate cell-based assay results within the Cell-Based Assays team and with collaborators on specific kinase projects
Experience and Expertise:- Experience in analysis of protein kinases and phosphorylation-dependent signaling events or pathways.
- Expertise in culturing a variety of types of cells, such as cancer cell lines, primary cells, mouse embryo fibroblasts, inducible human pluripotent cells, immune cells, neuronal cells, and muscle cells.
- Expertise in multiple methods for exogenous protein expression.
- Proficiency in presentation of experimental design and results using PowerPoint or similar software.
- Experience with mouse models, preferred but not essential.
Technical Capabilities:- Cloning, PCR, and qRT-PCR
- Sterile technique
- Cell transfection, transduction, or infection to exogenously express proteins of interest transiently or for cell line generation
- Quantitative immunoassays, such as ELISA, AlphaLISA, and Mesoscale Discovery
- Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting
- Protein-protein interaction analysis, such as proximity ligation, FRET, or NanoBit assays
- Flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)
- Reporter gene assays
- Phenotypic assays, such as viability, apoptosis, proliferation, migration, colony-forming, autophagy, endocytosis, secretion, or differentiation assays
- Microscopy, such as immunofluorescence, live-cell imaging, subcellular localization, colocalization analysis
- Cellular fractionation
Competencies:- Creative and results-driven with strong critical thinking and the ability to learn quickly
- Hardworking, well-organized, flexible, and capable of multitasking efficiently in a fast-paced environment
- Collaborative and efficient member of teams with diverse backgrounds and opinions
- Ability to prioritize work and complete assignments promptly
Minimum Education and Experience:- Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.
Minimum Experience:- Five (5) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD.
- Eight (8) years of relevant experience is required with a Master's Degree.
- Ten (10) years of relevant work experience is required with a Bachelor's Degree.
CompensationIn 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 $104,000 - $186,160 per year for the role of Cell Assay Senior Scientist - Blue Sky Kinases.
Explore our exceptional benefits!
We are committed to a human-centered hiring experience. Technology may support portions of our process, but recruiting decisions involve human review and engagement. Learn more about our approach to AI.
No Search FirmsSt. 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.
