Associate Scientist/ Scientist Vakoc's lab
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist or Scientist to join Dr. Christopher Vakoc's laboratory, a leader in cancer gene regulation and functional genomics. This is an exciting opportunity for a scientist who is passionate about discovering new therapeutic approaches for childhood cancer and translating fundamental biological discoveries into clinical impact.
Job description
About the Vakoc Laboratory
The Vakoc Laboratory investigates how transcription factors, chromatin regulators, and other gene regulatory mechanisms control cancer cell identity and drive tumor progression. The lab combines state-of-the-art genetic, genomic, and biochemical approaches to uncover vulnerabilities in aggressive and currently incurable cancers. A major focus of the laboratory is the development and application of innovative CRISPR-Cas9 screening technologies to identify cancer-specific genetic dependencies and reveal novel therapeutic targets.
Key research areas include:
- Mapping unique genetic dependencies in incurable human cancers.
- Investigating mechanisms of lineage plasticity across diverse cancer types.
- Advancing cancer genetic vulnerabilities into actionable drug targets through high-resolution biochemical and functional studies.
- Evaluating the therapeutic potential of emerging cancer targets using sophisticated in vivo genetic models.
- Developing innovative treatment strategies that reprogram tumor cells into terminally differentiated states.
What We're Looking For
We are interested in candidates who demonstrate exceptional scientific curiosity, resilience, and a desire to tackle challenging biological questions with meaningful clinical impact. Successful candidates will have experience in several of the following areas:
- Molecular biology techniques involving DNA, RNA, and protein analysis.
- Mammalian tissue culture and cellular assays.
- Molecular cloning and genetic engineering.
- Lentiviral vector design and transduction.
- Functional genomics or CRISPR-based technologies.
- In vivo research using mouse models and/or zebrafish models.
- Investigation of gene function and cellular mechanisms.
While experience in biochemistry is not a primary focus for this role, strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology is highly desirable.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is someone who:
- Has a demonstrated track record of taking on ambitious scientific challenges.
- Is motivated by making a direct impact on the lives of children with cancer.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, discovery-driven environment.
- Possesses strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Enjoys working collaboratively while maintaining scientific independence.
- Has a history of productivity during graduate or postdoctoral training, with publications preferred but not required for exceptional candidates.
This position offers the opportunity to help build and advance cutting-edge CRISPR screening platforms, identify novel molecular targets, and contribute to discoveries that may shape the future of cancer therapeutics. The Vakoc Lab fosters a collaborative, high-energy, "work hard, play hard" culture where scientific rigor, creativity, and innovation drive breakthrough discoveries.
Job Responsibilities
- Conduct and support research projects using molecular biology, cell biology, and genomics techniques.
- Perform experiments involving DNA, RNA, and protein analysis, mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, lentiviral systems, and CRISPR-based technologies.
- Utilize mouse and/or zebrafish models to investigate gene function, disease mechanisms, and cellular pathways.
- Design, optimize, and execute research protocols; analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data.
- Contribute to scientific presentations, reports, and manuscript preparation.
- Maintain laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, inventory management, and supply ordering.
- Train and support laboratory personnel in standard techniques and procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and institutional research goals.
Minimum Education and/or Training:
Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.
Scientist Minimum Experience:
- Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required
- 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
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
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.
- Scientist: Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required.
- Scientist: Six (6) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master's degree.
- Scientist: Three (3) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD.
- Associate Scientist: 7+ years of research experience is required.
- Associate Scientist: 5+ years of research experience is required with a Master’s degree.
- Associate Scientist: 2+ years of research experience is required with a PhD.
- Experience in molecular biology techniques involving DNA, RNA, and protein analysis.
- Experience in mammalian tissue culture and cellular assays.
- Experience in molecular cloning and genetic engineering.
- Experience in lentiviral vector design and transduction.
- Experience in functional genomics or CRISPR-based technologies.
- Experience in in vivo research using mouse models and/or zebrafish models.
- Experience in investigation of gene function and cellular mechanisms.
- Strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated track record of taking on ambitious scientific challenges.
- Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively while maintaining scientific independence.
- History of productivity during graduate or postdoctoral training, with publications preferred but not required for exceptional candidates.
Company overview
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world-renowned pediatric research and treatment institution headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, dedicated to advancing cures for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, it stands as the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted exclusively to children. The hospital operates on a unique funding model where families never receive bills for treatment, travel, housing, or food, with costs exceeding $2 billion annually primarily supported by donations through its fundraising organization ALSAC. St. Jude treats approximately 8,600 patients each year from all 50 states and around the world, with a focus on acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumors, sickle cell disease, and infectious diseases. The institution employs over 7,000 staff members and maintains eight affiliate clinics across the United States. Through its St. Jude Global initiative, the hospital shares research and treatment protocols internationally, partnering with more than 350 institutions in over 90 countries. St. Jude has been instrumental in increasing childhood cancer survival rates from 20% in 1962 to over 80% today, while maintaining a robust research program that includes gene therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and precision medicine approaches.