Director of Scientific Research in Preclinical Therapeutics Program in our Center for In Vivo Imaging and Therapeutics

We are seeking a Director of Scientific Research for our PreclinicalTherapeutics Program in the Center for In Vivo Imaging and Therapeutics.

About the Position:

We have a Director of Scientific Research opportunity in our Preclinical Therapeutics Program (PTP) at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  

The PTP team are a dynamic group of research technologists focused on providing a comprehensive suite of resources for preclinical therapeutic development.  This support includes model development and xenografting, treatment with novel therapeutics, study observation and therapy response determination using imaging readouts and routine data processing.   

The Director of PTP will engage with the leadership of our Comprehensive Cancer Center programs to evaluate project needs from a resource perspective and onboard approved projects into the PTP pipelines towards effective delivery on all aspects of the studies.  Where appropriate, this effort will be in partnership with the Center for In Vivo Imaging and Therapeutics (CIVIT) and Advanced Resource Center staff to provide program leaders with the robust data needed to make the requisite key decisions on the validity of the novel therapeutic strategy being assessed. 

This is a dynamic laboratory environment where you will work with researchers involved in innovative basic and translational research for the fulfillment of our mission: Finding Cures. Saving Children. 

During the past five decades, St. Jude has made remarkable progress toward curing childhood cancer and other life-threating diseases.  St Jude is committed to world-class support for translational research as we seek to identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention and evaluate relevant therapies in a preclinical setting towards improving treatment options for catastrophic diseases of childhood.

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, extraordinary support and a collaborative, bench-to-bedside environment where you can see, firsthand, how your science translates into survival for the children we serve.   

The Ideal Candidate will have:   

• A strong background in preclinical research, including translation projects.
• Proven results managing complex projects and/or high performing teams (preferred).
• A knack for project management and ensuring success.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to communicate clearly with all stakeholders.
• Data processing skills.

Responsibilities:   

• Develop, evaluate, and conduct studies that support the goals and objectives of the institution with program leaders and other key partners in the preclinical research enterprise.
• Develop relevant laboratory operating procedures .
• Manage budget planning processes where appropriate .
• Provide direction and supervision to PTP staff .
• Contribute to the scientific direction of the institution in partnership with the translational research community.   
• Develop, evaluate, and conduct studies that support the goals and objectives of the institution.
• Develop laboratory operating procedures.
• Manage budget planning process.
• Provide direction and supervision to laboratory staff.
• Contribute to the scientific direction of the laboratory in partnership with the Principal Investigator.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

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

Minimum Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in relevant technical field (industry or academia) is required.
• 8+ years of experience in relevant technical field is required with a Master’s degree.
• 5+ years of experience in relevant technical field is required with a PHD.
• Significant