Wet Lab Scientist - Ligand Discovery

Join an excellent team of researchers dedicated to coming closer to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, that no child will die at the dawn of life. The QAI4Bio (Quantum AI for Biology) Lab led by Dr. Christoph Gorgulla within the Center of Excellence for Data-Driven Discovery in the Structural Biology Department of St. Jude seeks a skilled and highly motivated wet lab Scientist with experience in ligand discovery. Our research group is focused on developing state-of-the-art computational methods for ligand/drug discovery, using machine learning, high-performance/cloud computing, quantum chemistry and quantum computing. Our lab also includes a wet lab dedicated to experimentally verifying the computationally predicted results in real-world drug discovery projects. As a (wet lab) Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in our team. This position is at the frontier of drug discovery, focusing to a large extent on the experimental validation of protein-ligand interactions. We will be targeting proteins associated with a range of areas, including epigenetic regulation, cancer, and healthy aging/longevity. You will work on producing high-quality proteins, designing and performing binding assays by biophysical methods (SPR, MST, ITC, BLI) or Fluorescence-based (i.e. FP, TR-FRET) methods, and optimizing workflows for ligand discovery. Depending on your skills, you might also work on structural studies (NMR, X-ray, cryo-EM, …) and use the state-of-the-art core facilities and centers dedicated to structural studies at St. Jude. In your role as lab manager you will be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the wet lab. Our lab is new, and you will be the first full-time team member in our wet lab. In addition, there is the “dry lab” where the computational/theoretical researchers will be located. In our lab, you will have the opportunity to lead collaborative projects, mentor junior scientists and students, and contribute to high-impact publications. Collaboration is at the heart of our work, and you will closely work with our computational and other wet-lab colleagues to validate and experimentally verify the predicted hit and lead compounds. By working together in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, you will have the opportunity to contribute to multiple ligand/drug discovery projects and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and the world. Job Responsibilities

Leading the wet lab experiments of our ligand/drug discovery projects with minimal to moderate supervision. Protein Production: Express and purify target proteins of interest, predominantly using bacterial expression systems, and in cases needed insect, or mammalian systems. Ensure production meets quality standards for downstream structural and functional studies. Binding Assays: Design and execute ligand-binding experiments, with a focus on biophysical assays and fluorescence-based assays, but also including cell-based assays. Optimize assay conditions for robust and reproducible results. Wet Lab Leadership/Management: Manage day-to-day operations of the wet lab. Mentoring and training wet lab members, including postdocs, graduate students, and technicians. Oversee equipment maintenance and inventory of reagents. Identify, process, organize, summarize, review, and report relevant data. Interacting with computational team members (who will mostly identify the hit and lead compounds). Manuscript preparation, submission, and the review process will be part of the responsibilities (under the supervision of the PI), ensuring that the lab’s findings are disseminated to the scientific community. Actively collaborate with interdepartmental teams, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex scientific challenges. Present research findings to internal and external audiences (e.g. conferences), contributing to the hospital’s mission of advancing pediatric research. Minimum Education and/or Training

Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required. Minimum Experience

Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required with a Bachelor's degree. Six (6) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master's degree. Three (3) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD. About St. Jude

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a world-class research institution dedicated to pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases of childhood. The first and only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Our 300 faculty work across the spectrum of basic, translational, clinical, and population science in a highly collaborative multidisciplinary environment that includes a Nobel laureate and members of the National Academy of Science and the National Academy of Medicine. St. Jude is ranked on Fortune Magazine’s “Best Workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma” and Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work”. St. Jude is one of the best-funded research institutes in the US with an annual budget of over $2 billion per year. What We Will Offer You

Working at St. Jude is a remarkable experience in many ways, and you will be provided with many special perks. Mission and Purpose:

At St. Jude, working is more than just a job — it’s a calling. Each member of St. Jude is united by a shared purpose: finding cures and saving children. In addition to the meaningful work you will undertake, we offer a range of perks to enhance your experience. Community and Belonging:

St. Jude is like a warm family that welcomes you, to a large part because it is a Children’s hospital. The Best of Both Worlds – Industry and Academia:

St. Jude provides academic freedom in research and industrial efficiency and resources. We have access to world-class shared resources/facilities led by expert scientists, coupled with state-of-the-art technology and funding, accelerating research productivity. World-Class Benefits:

St. Jude offers a world-class benefits package. Enjoy comprehensive healthcare, a competitive salary, tuition assistance for continued education, and exceptional work-life balance with ample paid time off. Professional Growth:

You will have access to opportunities to enhance your professional growth in terms of scientific skills, soft skills, and your career. St. Jude has well defined career path. Diversity:

St. Jude is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse scientific community, where everyone’s contributions are valued. Competitive Compensation:

Embark on your journey with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. Relocation assistance is available; in Memphis/Tennessee there is no income tax. Top Employer:

St. Jude is recognized as a top employer with various accolades. Personalized Guidance:

Dr. Gorgulla is committed to providing hands-on mentorship tailored to your needs and career aspirations. Modern Buildings and Spaces:

Our wet lab is located in the Inspiration 4 – Advanced Research Center. Additional Perks:

On-site gym, employee pharmacy, and other perks. About Memphis

St. Jude is located in Memphis, Tennessee, a vibrant city with music, culture and affordability advantages. Breathtaking Nature:

Mississippi River and Shelby Farms Park. Culture:

Elvis Presley and arts attractions. Affordability:

Memphis is an affordable city for living. For a video with testimonials about how new St. Jude members experienced Memphis, see here: Compensation In recognition of pay transparency laws, St. Jude includes a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. A salary offer depends on factors such as experience and qualifications. The current estimated range is $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role of Wet Lab Scientist - Ligand Discovery. Explore our exceptional

benefits ! St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer No Search Firms St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All resumes submitted by search firms will result in no fee being paid if the candidate is hired.

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