Lead Researcher/Senior Researcher- PACT (Pediatric Accelerator of Cures for Tumors)

Join Our Team!

The laboratory of Dr. Christopher Tinkle within the Department of Radiation Oncology and Dr. Anang Shelat within the Department of Chemical Biology is seeking a highly motivated Lead or Senior Researcher interested in translating promising small molecule drug candidates into clinical trials for pediatric brain tumors. The applicant will primarily conduct rigorous preclinical in-vivo evaluation of drugs in clinical development for children using a unique collection of patient-derived orthotopic xenograft CNS tumor models and genetically engineered murine models, including such tumor types as medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and high-grade glioma. Such studies aim to inform whether a clinical trial should or should not be pursued. The applicant is expected to work alongside domain experts in the biology of pediatric brain tumors, clinicians, and pharmacologists, as well as the various institutional shared resources devoted to translational science, in a collaborative project team environment.

We are seeking an ideal candidate with extensive experience in in-vivo tolerability and efficacy studies using murine models. This role requires proficiency in murine husbandry, physical observations, tissue procurement, tumor volume measurements, brain tumor xenografting, and advanced imaging techniques such as IVIS. Familiarity with various routes of drug administration and blood collection is essential, along with surgical experience and cranial implant skills. The candidate should also possess a solid understanding of preclinical therapeutic evaluation principles, including drug formulation, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and statistical analysis of survival studies. Exceptional time management and multitasking abilities, along with strong organizational skills to adapt to evolving priorities, are crucial. Collaboration with the Brain Tumor Program's shared resources and laboratories will be a key aspect of this role.

St. Jude is considered a great place to work and has been listed in Fortune magazine’s“Best Workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma™ 2020”list and GlassDoor's"BEST PLACES TO WORK 2023"list. Salary is highly competitive (comparable to industry), and employee benefits are outstanding. This position is in Memphis, TN, and relocation assistance is available. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Performs laboratory experiments using existing, modified, or newly developed techniques/protocols.

• Sets up protocols and troubleshoots experiments using new or modified laboratory techniques.

• Identifies experimental data pertinent to the analysis problem. Processes organizes, and summarizes data and reports results.

• May assist in the drafting and editing of manuscripts.

• Provides basic lab operation support, including equipment maintenance and purchasing. Monitors inventory and orders lab supplies as needed. Calibrates instruments and equipment as necessary.

• Provides guidance to entry-level employees.

• Performs other related duties as assigned in order to meet the goals of the department and institution.

• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Lead Researcher

Minimum Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area is required.

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.

Senior Researcher

Minimum Education:

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

Minimum Experience:

• Two (2) years of relevant, post-degree work experience is required.

• No experience is required with a Master's degree.

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency