Cell Assay Lead/Principal Scientist - Blue Sky Kinases
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
We are looking for an experienced cell biologist to participate in our exciting studies of the human protein kinome. This Senior Scientist position is part of the Blue Sky Initiative 'Seeing the Invisible in Protein Kinases' at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. As a member of the Cell-Based Assays team, the candidate will use their cell signaling research expertise and knowledge along with cell culture skills to design and perform experiments that translate novel insights into kinase structure and regulation determined in vitro into functional effects in cells. The candidate will guide junior staff in designing high-quality cell biology experiments, critically review the experimental data generated by the cell biology team, and assist with troubleshooting.
Job description
Responsibilities
- Research kinase-mediated signaling pathways, kinase targets or kinase-dependent phosphorylation events, and cellular outcomes of such pathways for assigned kinase projects
- Interface with the cell-based assays team and structural biology researchers, identifying appropriate cellular assays and cells for performing analysis of kinase signaling output and cellular phenotypes related to structure-guided perturbations in kinase regulation or function
- Develop strategies and plans for implementing a wide spectrum of cell-based assays to assess processes either regulated by or regulating kinases, including but not limited to evaluation of protein phosphorylation, protein interaction, protein localization, RNA abundance (qRT-PCR), protein ubiquitination, and protein abundance
- Lead and collaborate with a team of scientists on multiple structure-guided cell biology projects, and provide project direction and guidance to junior staff
- Work closely with the cell biology team to implement and troubleshoot a variety of cell-based phenotypic assays, including but not limited to viability, apoptosis, autophagy, migration, or differentiation
- Critically review the relevant protein kinase literature, the experimental data generated by the team, and assist the team in designing and performing optimization and troubleshooting of cell-based assays
- Perform cell assay data analyses, including statistical analysis using graphing software or R scripts
- Interpret, analyze, prepare research reports, and communicate cell-based assay results within the Cell-Based Assays team and with collaborators on specific kinase projects
- Contribute to recruiting and growing the team, guiding and mentoring junior staff
Experience and Expertise
- Experience in analysis of protein kinases and phosphorylation-dependent signaling events or pathways
- Expertise in culturing a variety of types of cells, such as cancer cell lines, primary cells, mouse embryo fibroblasts, inducible human pluripotent cells, immune cells, neuronal cells, and muscle cells
- Expertise in multiple methods for exogenous protein expression
- Proficiency in presentation of experimental design and results using PowerPoint or similar software
- Experience with mouse models, preferred but not essential
Technical Capabilities
- Cloning, PCR, and qRT-PCR
- Sterile technique
- Cell transfection, transduction, or infection to exogenously express proteins of interest transiently or for cell line generation
- Quantitative immunoassays, such as ELISA, AlphaLISA, and Mesoscale Discovery
- Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting
- Protein-protein interaction analysis, such as proximity ligation, FRET, or NanoBit assays
- Flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)
- Reporter gene assays
- Phenotypic assays, such as viability, apoptosis, proliferation, migration, colony-forming, autophagy, endocytosis, secretion, or differentiation assays
- Microscopy, such as immunofluorescence, live-cell imaging, subcellular localization, colocalization analysis
- Cellular fractionation
Competencies
- Creative and results-driven with strong critical thinking and the ability to learn quickly
- Hardworking, well-organized, flexible, and capable of multitasking efficiently in a fast-paced environment
- Collaborative and efficient member of teams with diverse backgrounds and opinions
- Ability to prioritize work and complete assignments promptly
Minimum Education and/or Training
Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required. PhD preferred.
Minimum Experience
Fifteen (15) years of relevant work experience is required with a Bachelor's degree. Thirteen (13) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master's degree. Ten (10) years or relevant work experience is required with a PhD.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required
- PhD preferred
- Fifteen (15) years of relevant work experience is required with a Bachelor's degree
- Thirteen (13) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master's degree
- Ten (10) years or relevant work experience is required with a PhD
- Experience in analysis of protein kinases and phosphorylation-dependent signaling events or pathways
- Expertise in culturing a variety of types of cells, such as cancer cell lines, primary cells, mouse embryo fibroblasts, inducible human pluripotent cells, immune cells, neuronal cells, and muscle cells
- Expertise in multiple methods for exogenous protein expression
- Proficiency in presentation of experimental design and results using PowerPoint or similar software
- Experience with mouse models, preferred but not essential
- Cloning, PCR, and qRT-PCR
- Sterile technique
- Cell transfection, transduction, or infection to exogenously express proteins of interest transiently or for cell line generation
- Quantitative immunoassays, such as ELISA, AlphaLISA, and Mesoscale Discovery
- Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting
- Protein-protein interaction analysis, such as proximity ligation, FRET, or NanoBit assays
- Flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)
- Reporter gene assays
- Phenotypic assays, such as viability, apoptosis, proliferation, migration, colony-forming, autophagy, endocytosis, secretion, or differentiation assays
- Microscopy, such as immunofluorescence, live-cell imaging, subcellular localization, colocalization analysis
- Cellular fractionation
- Creative and results-driven with strong critical thinking and the ability to learn quickly
- Hardworking, well-organized, flexible, and capable of multitasking efficiently in a fast-paced environment
- Collaborative and efficient member of teams with diverse backgrounds and opinions
- Ability to prioritize work and complete assignments promptly
Benefits
- Generous Paid Time Off
- Work-Life Balance
- Learning and Growth Opportunities
- On-Campus Conveniences
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.