The Center of Excellence for Pediatric Immuno-Oncology (CEPIO) is seeking a Lead Researcher in the Center’s immuno-oncology (I-O) modeling core.

is a cross-disciplinary center supporting the development and translation of innovative immuno-oncology approaches across St. Jude. The CEPIO I-O modeling core provides validated preclinical modeling expertise to support studies in cancer biology, immunotherapy, and therapeutic development.

The Lead Researcher supports the execution of preclinical immuno-oncology studies, independently performing animal procedures, therapeutic treatments, sample collection, and laboratory assays using established or modified protocols. The position translates experimental plans into organized, reproducible, and well-documented in vivo and laboratory workflows.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with murine cancer models and preclinical therapeutic studies, including tumor implantation, treatment administration, murine monitoring, sample collection, and surgical procedures. The position works under the direction of the head of the CEPIO I-O modeling core to support efficient study execution and completion.

Job Responsibilities

• Independently perform preclinical in vivo studies using established or modified experimental protocols.
• Execute assigned study activities, including animal scheduling, treatments, procedures, sample collection, and study endpoints.
• Perform murine procedures for preclinical cancer and immuno-oncology studies, including tumor implantation/inoculation, therapeutic administration by multiple routes (IV, PO, IP, subcutaneous), survival procedures, murine monitoring, and blood and tissue collection.
• Perform wet-laboratory procedures supporting preclinical studies, including cell culture, tumor cell preparation, tissue processing, nucleic acid and protein preparation, PCR/genotyping, and molecular, cellular, and/or immune-related assays.
• Implement established or modified protocols with limited guidance and troubleshoot experimental procedures as needed.
• Monitor murine health and study progress; accurately document procedures, treatments, observations, samples, and study records; and organize and summarize experimental data and study results.
• Maintain organized schedules and records for multiple concurrent studies.
• Work with CEPIO laboratory and animal facility staff to support study execution.
• Contribute to the development, optimization, and documentation of laboratory procedures and SOPs.
• Maintain equipment, supplies, reagents, and study materials needed for assigned research activities; monitor inventory, assist with purchasing, and support routine equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Provide technical guidance and training to less experienced team members in established procedures and laboratory practices.
• Prepare and contribute to research reports, presentations, posters, and publications with guidance from the head of the CEPIO I-O modeling core.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Preferred Experience

• Experience inpreclinical cancer research and in vivo therapeutic studies.
• Strong hands-on experience with mouse models of cancer and/or immuno-oncology.
• Experience performing rodent procedures, including tumor implantation/inoculation, therapeutic administration by multiple routes, survival/complex surgical procedures, animal monitoring, and blood/tissue collection.
• Experience executing murine studies with multiple treatment groups, procedures, collection time points, and study endpoints.
• Experience with cancer cell culture, tumor cell preparation, tissue processing, PCR/genotyping, molecular biology, protein or nucleic acid analysis, and/or cellular or immune assays.
• Experience with genetically engineered mouse models, including breeding, genotyping, characterization, or experimental use, is highly desirable.
• Experience with immuno-oncology therapeutic evaluation, biomarker analysis, or translational research is highly desirable.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

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

Lead Researcher Minimum Experience:

• 5+ years of research experience is required
• 3+ years of experience is required with a Master’s degree
• No prior experience required with a PHD
• Strong knowledge and experience in understanding and application of underlying principles related to techniques being performed
• Experience in R&D methods and processes in lab setting, and execution of research projects for the laboratory preferred

Senior Researcher Minimum Experience:

• Two (2) years of research experience is required.
• No prior experience is required with a Master’s degree.
• Working knowledge and understanding of underlying concepts and principles of experimental design.
• Experience with the most widely used techniques used in the home laboratory.
• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role.

Professional Growth

The Lead Researcher will have opportunities to expand technical expertise in in vivo preclinical modeling, immuno-oncology research, laboratory methodologies, and emerging experimental technologies,while developing skills in advanced preclinical study execution and supporting CEPIO’s translational research activities.

We invite motivated researchers passionate about preclinical animal models and immuno-oncology to apply and join us in pushing the boundaries of immuno-oncology and immunotherapy in the fight against pediatric cancers. 

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 Senior Researcher/ Lead Researcher – Immuno-Oncology Preclinical Modeling.

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