St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Associate Scientist in Blue Sky Protein Kinases
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
We are looking for an Associate Scientist to participate in our exciting studies of the human protein kinome.
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, 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. 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 interdisciplinary and internally funded project in the Department of Structural Biology. This large‑scale project leverages nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, complemented with cryo‑EM, 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 cryo‑EM. 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.
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 spectrometry, 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 in a 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.
Benefits 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. Located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, the city offers a vibrant and friendly environment, mild winters, beautiful green outdoor spaces, and a low cost of living. St. Jude facilities and salaries are highly competitive.
Better at Work. Better at Life. When you work at St. Jude, you’ll join a highly collaborative work culture that inspires you every day to be your best. With opportunities for learning and growth, you can shape a career path that is right for you while also enjoying all the benefits and stability of working for a world‑class institution. This includes work‑life balance with generous paid time‑off and on‑campus conveniences that make life a little easier. Join us and you’ll quickly see why St. Jude is consistently ranked by our employees on Glassdoor as a "Best Place to Work."
Have More in Memphis Memphis offers big‑city amenities with all the charm of a small‑town feel. From the world‑renowned music scene to an eclectic mix of food and people, it’s a place that employees are proud to call home. The region enjoys a cost of living more than 20% lower than the national average and no personal income tax on wages. Commutes are shorter than the national average.
Compensation We estimate the salary range for this role to be $65,520–$114,400 per year. This estimate is intended as a guide; actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and other factors.
Equal Opportunity Employer St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 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. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or 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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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, 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. 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 interdisciplinary and internally funded project in the Department of Structural Biology. This large‑scale project leverages nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, complemented with cryo‑EM, 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 cryo‑EM. 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.
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 spectrometry, 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 in a 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.
Benefits 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. Located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, the city offers a vibrant and friendly environment, mild winters, beautiful green outdoor spaces, and a low cost of living. St. Jude facilities and salaries are highly competitive.
Better at Work. Better at Life. When you work at St. Jude, you’ll join a highly collaborative work culture that inspires you every day to be your best. With opportunities for learning and growth, you can shape a career path that is right for you while also enjoying all the benefits and stability of working for a world‑class institution. This includes work‑life balance with generous paid time‑off and on‑campus conveniences that make life a little easier. Join us and you’ll quickly see why St. Jude is consistently ranked by our employees on Glassdoor as a "Best Place to Work."
Have More in Memphis Memphis offers big‑city amenities with all the charm of a small‑town feel. From the world‑renowned music scene to an eclectic mix of food and people, it’s a place that employees are proud to call home. The region enjoys a cost of living more than 20% lower than the national average and no personal income tax on wages. Commutes are shorter than the national average.
Compensation We estimate the salary range for this role to be $65,520–$114,400 per year. This estimate is intended as a guide; actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and other factors.
Equal Opportunity Employer St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 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. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr