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

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 motivated Associate Scientist or Lead Researcher to translate promising small molecule drug candidates into clinical trials for pediatric brain tumors. The role involves conducting rigorous preclinical in-vivo evaluations using patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) central nervous system (CNS) tumor models and genetically engineered murine models for tumor types such as medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and high-grade glioma, with the goal of determining the feasibility of clinical trials. The candidate will collaborate with experts in pediatric brain tumor biology, clinicians, and pharmacologists as well as the various institutional shared resources devoted to translational science, in a collaborative project team environment.

We are seeking a candidate with extensive experience in in-vivo tolerability and efficacy studies using murine models, who is proficient in murine husbandry, physical observations, tissue procurement, tumor volume measurements, brain tumor xenografting, and advanced imaging techniques like IVIS; familiarity with drug administration routes, blood collection, surgical skills, and cranial implants is essential, along with a solid understanding of preclinical therapeutic evaluation principles such as drug formulation, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and survival study statistics, as well as exceptional time management and organizational skills to adapt to changing priorities while collaborating with the Brain Tumor Program's shared resources and laboratories.

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.

Minimum Education and/or Training for the position include:

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

Associate Scientist Minimum Experience:

• 7 + years of research experience is required.

• 5 + years of research experience is required with a Master’s degree.

• 2 + years of research experience is required with a PHD.

• Experience leading and supporting research experiments preferred.

• Some experience leading lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred.

• Experience in guiding and training other laboratory personnel preferred.

• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role.

Lead Researcher Minimum Experience:

• Five (5) years of relevant, post-degree work experience is required.

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