St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Lead Researcher in Dr. Kriwacki's Lab

Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area required
  • 5+ years of research experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or 3+ years with a Master’s degree, or no experience required with a PhD.
  • Strong background in molecular biology, especially DNA cloning and construct design.
  • Hands-on experience with recombinant DNA techniques, such as plasmid construction and mutagenesis.
  • Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and transfection/transduction methods.
  • Experience with confocal fluorescence microscopy and image analysis tools is preferred.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

  • Design and execute molecular cloning strategies for fusion oncoprotein constructs.
  • Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot assays for fusion oncoprotein research.
  • Perform and refine advanced microscopy techniques looking at protein dynamics.
  • Analyze and present experimental data at lab and program meetings.
  • Collaborate closely with investigators on project design and execution.

Benefits

  • Competitive health and well-being benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • Financial security and retirement plan options for employees.
  • Time off programs and family-friendly benefits available.
  • Access to an employee wellness program and educational benefits.
  • Opportunity to live in Memphis with lower cost of living and no state income tax.
Full Job Description
This is an opportunity for a Lead Researcher to join the Kriwacki lab to contribute to cutting-edge, NCI-funded research focused on fusion oncoproteins. As part of the lab and broader program team, you will support the development of key molecular reagents and experimental systems.

In this role, you'll work at the intersection of molecular cloning, cell biology, and advanced imaging, helping to generate and characterize molecular tools used to study fusion oncoprotein function and biology. This is a highly collaborative environment where your contributions will directly impact innovative research programs and translational efforts.

If you're excited by hands-on science, eager to build new technical expertise, and motivated to contribute to meaningful advances in cancer biology, this is a unique opportunity to grow and have real impact.

Responsibilities:
  • Design and execute molecular cloning strategies for generation of fusion oncoprotein constructs and engineered cell lines.
  • Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot assays to study fusion oncoprotein expression, localization, and function.
  • Perform and refine advanced microscopy techniques to investigate protein localization, dynamics and interactions, and cellular phenotypes.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data; present findings at lab and program meetings and participate in pan-program discussions.
  • Collaborate closely with investigators to drive project design, execution, and troubleshooting.


Preferred Skills:
  • Strong background in molecular biology, with emphasis on DNA cloning and construct design.
  • Hands-on experience with recombinant DNA techniques (e.g., plasmid construction, mutagenesis, viral vectors, analysis of DNA sequencing data).
  • Experience with confocal fluorescence microscopy and image analysis tools.
  • Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and transfection/transduction methods.
  • Familiarity with studying protein-protein interactions or oncogenic fusion proteins is a plus.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet milestones and associated deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication, record-keeping, organization, and leadership skills.


Minimum Education and/or Training:
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area is required


Minimum Experience:
  • 5+ years of research experience is required with a Bachelor's degree.
  • 3+ years of experience is required with a Master's degree.
  • No prior experience required with a PhD.


Benefits

Your health and well-being are important to us. That's why St. Jude Children's Research Hospital provides employees with high-quality benefits choices.

We are committed to ensuring our benefits are competitive and affordable. St. Jude continues to cover medical premiums for employees and offers low additional costs for dependents.

View all the benefits offered including Medical & Prescription Drug Plans, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Financial Security, Retirement Plan, Living Well - Employee Wellness Program, Time Off Programs, Educational Benefits, Family Friendly Benefits, and Benefits Unique to St. Jude.

Have More in Memphis

Get the best of big-city amenities mixed with all the charm of a small-town feel when you live in Memphis. From our world-renowned music scene to our eclectic mix of food and people. Memphis is a place our employees are proud to call home. Our region enjoys a cost of living more than 20% lower than the national average and our state places no personal income tax on wages. Plus, Memphians spend five hours less per year in their daily commute compared to the national average. Learn how you can "Have More in Memphis."

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 $60,320 - $105,040 per year for the role of Lead Researcher in Dr. Kriwacki's Lab.

Explore our exceptional benefits!

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.

About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a pediatric treatment and research facility focused on children's catastrophic diseases, particularly leukemia and other cancers. The hospital was founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas and is located in Memphis, Tennessee. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. The hospital has treated children from all 50 states and from around the world. St. Jude is known for its groundbreaking research and treatment of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Learn more about St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Size
4,500 employees
Industry
Founded
1962

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