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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Associate Scientist in Blue Sky Protein Kinases

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, us, 37544

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We are looking for an Associate Scientist to participate in our exciting studies of the human protein kinome.

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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. Quite simply, at St. Jude, we encourage you to dream big and stop at nothing when it comes to finding cures and saving children.

Located at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, this position is part of the Blue Sky Initiative “Seeing the Invisible in Protein Kinases,” an inter‑disciplinary and internally funded project in the Department of Structural Biology. This large‑scale project leverages nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, complemented with cryoEM, X‑ray crystallography, data science and computational approaches, to structurally characterize the conformational landscape of the human kinome. Combined with biochemical and biophysical studies, knowledge of the conformations of kinases is then used to discover new biology regarding kinase function and regulation in cells, understand the structural and functional consequences of disease‑associated mutations, and identify novel therapeutic opportunities.

As a member of the biochemistry team, the candidate will contribute to the project by applying molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysical methods. A key responsibility is preparing high quality proteins for structural studies of kinases by NMR, crystallography, and cryoEM. The work is diverse providing an opportunity to study multiple kinases, perform appropriate background research, optimize biochemical and biophysical assays, and contribute to structural characterization. The research not only leads to biophysical and structural characterization of protein kinases but is also used to discover mechanisms of kinase regulation and new kinase‑mediated biology.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offers a remarkable opportunity to perform cutting‑edge research with outstanding institutional support and exceptional shared core facilities in an environment of open collaboration, educational advancement, and training opportunities. St. Jude is consistently ranked on Fortune Magazine’s and Glassdoor’s “100 Best Places to Work” for companies with 1,000 or more employees. We are located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, a vibrant and friendly city at the historic American crossroads of music, trade, food, and culture. Mild winters and beautiful green outdoor spaces are part of the reasons why Forbes recently named Memphis the 4th happiest city in which to work. Cost of living and high quality of life are other attractions; Money magazine listed Memphis as one of the least expensive cities in which to raise a child. St. Jude facilities and salaries are highly competitive.

Key Responsibilities

Independently develop and implement construct design, protein purification, kinase activity assays, and biophysical characterization of proteins.

Leverage deep knowledge and hands‑on experience with versatile protein purification technologies to apply established chromatographic and analytical methods to ensure production of the highest quality of lead proteins for biochemical, biophysical, and structural characterization.

Present problems and propose solutions in discussions with group members. Offer insights based on experience to group members to help solve technical or methodological challenges.

Work in a collaborative team environment where results are achieved through effective communication, cooperation, and the incorporation of multiple points of view.

Perform tasks related to the research project independently but within specific guidelines and subject to regular review by supervisor.

Maintain familiarity with current scientific literature relevant to the research experiments or project.

Manage and train staff as appropriate in laboratory activities.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Experience with protein engineering and design of recombinant proteins.

Expertise in molecular biology and molecular cloning techniques including but not limited to subcloning, site‑directed mutagenesis, PCR, and DNA manipulation.

Experience with multiple protein expression platforms, including E. coli, insect cell culture, and mammalian cell culture expression systems.

Expertise in protein purification by various chromatographic techniques, including but not limited to affinity, ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography.

Experience in protein characterization using techniques that include but are not limited to Mass spec, SEC‑MALs, Differential Scanning Fluorimetry, Dynamic light scattering, and Native PAGE.

Experience with in‑vitro kinase activity assays (preferred).

Experience with analysis of protein‑protein or protein‑ligand interactions using methods that include but are not limited to Surface Plasmon Resonance and Isothermal titration calorimetry (preferred).

Strong track record of scientific accomplishments demonstrated through publications in highly regarded journals.

Outstanding organizational and multi‑tasking skills with the ability to manage several simultaneous projects.

Ability and willingness to mentor others and perform as team member with strong communication skills.

Minimum Education or Training

Bachelor’s degree relevant scientific area, such as biochemistry or molecular biology.

Minimum Experience

Seven (7) years of relevant post‑degree work experience for candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

Five (5) years of relevant post‑degree work experience for candidates with a master’s degree.

Two (2) years of relevant post‑degree work experience for candidates with a PhD.

Better at Work. Better at Life.

Have More in Memphis

Benefits Your health and well‑being are important to us. That’s why St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital provides employees with high‑quality benefits choices.

We are committed to ensuring our benefits are competitive and affordable. St. Jude continues to cover medical premiums for employees and offers low additional costs for dependents.

View all the benefits offered including Medical & Prescription Drug Plans, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Financial Security, Retirement Plan, Living Well - Employee Wellness Program, Time Off Programs, Educational Benefits, Family Friendly Benefits, and Benefits Unique to St. Jude.

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 $65,520 - $114,400 per year for the role of Associate Scientist in Blue Sky Protein Kinases.

Explore our exceptional benefits!

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

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