Computational Researcher - (Protein Engineering and Design, Genome Editing, Biotechnology, Shengdar Q. Tsai Lab)

This role will perform analyses using existing, modified or newly developed tools/methods. Set up tools and troubleshoot analyses using new or modified techniques.

Overview of our lab:

The Tsai lab is a highly collaborative, creative, and fun group of scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Our research program centers on the development of state-of-the-art genomic methods for understanding the global activities of genome editors, protein engineering to improve their capabilities for precise editing, and translation to autologous genome-edited hematopoietic stem cell therapies.

About the job opportunity:

We are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated Computational Researcher to help lead efforts to develop personalized genome editing treatments. We care deeply about the success of our scientists and this job is a unique opportunity to learn about genomics, genome editing, and protein engineering while contributing to the development of future individualized genomic medicines at St. Jude, with room for career growth and advancement.

Dr. Tsai is co-leading a new Blue Sky Project called PARADIGM (Partnership to Advance Development of Individualized Genomic Medicines) with the goal of developing personalized genome editing therapies for St. Jude patients.

You would have opportunities to lead exciting projects that include:

• Protein engineering of improved novel CRISPR base and prime genome editors with human cell-based directed evolution.

• Develop scalable methods to characterize large numbers of CRISPR genome editing variants for activity and specificity with massively parallel high-throughput sequencing approaches.

• Design and test new CRISPR genome editors with generative artificial intelligence protein large language models.

• Help develop laboratory automation workflows to perform scalable protein engineering.

• Understanding the structure-function relationship of mutations identified from high-throughput screens on the activity of genome editors.

• Perform deep mutational scanning of CRISPR-Cas orthologues and effector domains important for precise genome editing, such as deaminases and reverse transcriptases.

• Define the outcome of engineered variants on genome editing repair outcomes using high-throughput genomic methods.

You would learn valuable laboratory skills that include:

Genome engineering, high-throughput genomics, next-generation sequencing, protein engineering, structural biology, liquid handling automation, hematopoietic stem cell culture and transfection, and data science.

Project-dependent responsibilities could include:

• Engineer CRISPR base and prime editors with improved activity and specificities.

• Optimize lead protein candidates by structure-guided design and high-throughput screening.

• Apply new artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to guide protein engineering design.

• Analyze experimental outcomes and develop high-quality summaries towards manuscripts and grant applications.

• Draft manuscripts and figures for publication in high-impact journals.

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform data analysis independently using established techniques/methods.

• Set up tools and troubleshoot analyses using new or modified techniques.

• Accurately record/document/share code.

• Prepare and report results/ data leading to posters, presentations, or publications.

• Performs other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.

• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor's in Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, or related field

• Master’s degree preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of relevant experience.

• No experience required with master’s degree.

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 i