Lead Scientist- Vakoc Lab

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we believe in what’s possible when exceptional scientific minds face fewer barriers. That’s why we provide world-class facilities, state-of-the-art technologies, and a highly collaborative, bench-to-bedside environment. Here, your discoveries don’t stay in the lab—they directly impact the lives of children around the world.

The Department of Oncology is seeking a highly independent and driven Lead Scientist to join the lab of Dr. Chris Vakoc. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate researcher eager to advance innovative therapies for childhood cancer.

The Vakoc lab focuses on understanding how transcription factors and chromatin regulators control gene expression and sustain cancer cell states. The team uses cutting-edge approaches—including genetic screens, genomics, and biochemical methods—to uncover cancer-specific dependencies and translate these findings into novel therapeutic strategies.

Research in the Vakoc lab includes:

• Mapping genetic dependencies in aggressive and incurable cancers

• Investigating lineage plasticity mechanisms across cancer types

• Using CRISPR-based screening platforms to identify critical protein domains in cancer growth

• Advancing discoveries into druggable targets using high-resolution biochemical and functional assays

• Evaluating therapeutic potential through advanced in vivo genetic models

• Developing therapies that reprogram cancer cells into terminally differentiated states

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute research strategies in collaboration with the Principal Investigator

• Design and develop innovative experimental approaches and protocols

• Analyze and interpret complex datasets; generate hypotheses and drive scientific insights

• Ensure high standards of data integrity, quality, and reproducibility

• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals (first-author expected) and contribute to the peer review process

• Present research internally and externally to multidisciplinary audiences

• Support laboratory operations, including equipment management, troubleshooting, and process improvements

• Mentor and guide junior scientists and research staff

• Promote a safe, collaborative, and high-performing lab environment

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field required

Minimum Experience:

• Twelve (12) years of relevant work experience is required

• Ten (10) years of relevant experience is required with a Master's degree

• Seven (7) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD

 

Why St. Jude?

• Collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on saving children’s lives

• Unparalleled access to resources, technologies, and scientific expertise

• Opportunity to see your work directly impact patient outcomes

• Commitment to innovation, discovery, and professional growth

If you are passionate about advancing cancer research and translating discoveries into life-saving therapies, we encourage you to apply and join a team dedicated to making a difference.

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 $125,840 - $238,160 per year for the role of Lead Sci