Researcher OR Senior Researcher-Center for Advanced Genome Engineering

The World’s Brightest Minds Always Innovate
At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we know what can be achieved when the brightest scientific minds face the fewest barriers. That’s why we provide world-class facilities, state-of-the-art technologies, and extraordinary support for your research to ensure scientific progress is never halted from a lack of resources. At St. Jude, you will be part of a collaborative, bench-to-bedside environment where you can see, firsthand, how your science translates into survival for the children we serve.

This is an exciting opportunity for a researcher to join our Center for Advanced Genome Engineering (CAGE). The CAGE has three missions: 1) facilitate investigator-initiated genome editing projects using CRISPR-Cas9, 2) perform independent R&D to evaluate and develop new genome editing techniques, and 3) to assist the gene and cell therapy programs at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Shondra Pruett-Miller laboratory offers a strong team-based environment where you will work collaboratively with other investigators across the institution to support their research needs and develop and improve genome engineering technologies. This includes creating genetically modified cell lines containing patient-specific genetic variants which enable investigators to model “diseases-in-a-dish”, tagging proteins to elucidate function and localization, and designing and creating custom CRISPR KO libraries. The CRISPR field is on the cutting edge and new technologies are being developed daily. As a member of our team, you will stay up to date on the latest genome editing techniques and incorporate them into our daily workflow to increase efficiency and offer the latest tools to St. Jude investigators.

Responsibilities:

• Design gRNAs to create investigator specific modifications.

• Design and implement genome editing strategies to create custom genome modified cell lines.

• Design, implement, and troubleshoot experiments.

• Analyze experimental data and present results at team meetings.

• Collaborate with other lab members and St. Jude investigators to accomplish broader goals.

 Preferred Experience:

• Understanding of and experience with molecular biology techniques including DNA and RNA extractions, PCR, plasmid cloning.

• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.

• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to track and execute multiple projects at once.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• A general understanding of or experience with CRISPR-Cas9 technology.

• Experience with cell culture.

• CRISPR screening experience is a plus.

• Computer programming and/or automated liquid handling experience is a plus.

• Experience with Next-generation sequencing analysis is a plus.

• Flow cytometry experience is a plus.

Senior Researcher

Minimum Education and/or Training:

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

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.

Special Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Results & Execution – Focus on setting high targets, following through with actions, and achieving results. Ability to anticipate roadblocks and circumvent challenges.
• Data analysis & Insights (Research) – Ability to set up data needs, collect, analyze, interpret scientific data and insights; stays abreast of data tools, and technologies in data analysis and insights.
• Industry & Regulatory Knowledge – Knowledge of industry best practices, Good Practices (GxP), regulatory compliance and documentation requirements relevant for scope of work.
• Lab Technology Expertise – Ability to leverage skills in routine/scientific/experimental procedures and lab techniques to identify/execute approaches and address scientific questions in research settings.
• Research Dissemination & Influence – Skills in conveying research findings to the appropriate audience using the right amount of data and narrative to enable decision-making. Ability to connect with influence critical stakeholders towards meaningful outcomes.

Researcher

Minimum Ed