Cell Assay Senior 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 molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell culture skills to perform research that translates novel insights regarding kinase structure and regulation in vitro into functional effects in cells. Additionally, the candidate will assist in performing cell-based analysis in high-, medium-, and low-throughput platforms of candidate inhibitors of kinases.
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
- Identify appropriate cellular assays and cells to perform structure-guided analysis of kinase signaling output and cellular phenotypes related to structure-guided perturbations in kinase regulation or function
- Develop strategies and plans for implementing cell-based assays, including but not limited to evaluation of protein phosphorylation, protein interaction, protein localization, RNA abundance (qRT-PCR), protein ubiquitination, and protein abundance
- Develop strategies and plans for implementing cell-based phenotypic assays, including but not limited to viability, apoptosis, autophagy, migration, or differentiation
- Perform optimization and troubleshooting of cell-based assays
- Perform statistical analysis using graphing software or R scripts
- Interpret, analyze, and communicate cell-based assay results within the Cell-Based Assays team and with collaborators on specific kinase projects
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 Experience
- Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required
- Five (5) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD
- Eight (8) years of relevant experience is required with a Master's Degree
- Ten (10) years of relevant work experience is required with a Bachelor's Degree
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area
- 5 years relevant experience with PhD
- 8 years relevant experience with Master's Degree
- 10 years relevant experience with Bachelor's Degree
- Experience in analysis of protein kinases and phosphorylation-dependent signaling
- Expertise in culturing various cell types
- Expertise in multiple methods for exogenous protein expression
- Proficiency in presentation software
- Cloning, PCR, and qRT-PCR
- Sterile technique
- Cell transfection, transduction, or infection
- Quantitative immunoassays (ELISA, AlphaLISA, Mesoscale Discovery)
- Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting
- Protein-protein interaction analysis
- Flow cytometry and FACS
- Reporter gene assays
- Phenotypic assays
- Microscopy
- Cellular fractionation
- Statistical analysis using graphing software or R scripts
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.