Lead Researcher - Protein Technologies Center – Blue Sky Kinases
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
We are looking for a Lead Researcher to participate in our exciting studies of the human protein kinome. This Lead Researcher position is part of the Blue Sky Initiative "Seeing the Invisible in Protein Kinases" at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
Job description
Job Description
We are looking for a Lead Researcher to participate in our exciting studies of the human protein kinome. This Lead Researcher position is part of the Blue Sky Initiative "Seeing the Invisible in Protein Kinases" at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
The Blue Sky Initiative "Seeing the Invisible in Protein Kinases" is an inter-disciplinary project in the Department of Structural Biology and is supported by US $50 million in institutional funding. This large-scale project leverages ultra-high field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), complemented with cryoEM, X-ray crystallography, data-science and computational approaches, to characterize the conformational landscape of the human kinome. This knowledge will then be used to discover new biology of 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 Protein Technology Centre /BlueSky team, the candidate will use molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysical, and structural biology skills to study the molecular mechanisms and structures of protein kinases and their cellular regulatory functions. Additionally, the candidate will assist in preparing high-quality proteins from various expression systems such as bacteria, insect cells and mammalian cells for structural studies of kinases using 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 structural characterizations.
Job Responsibilities
- Independently perform and lead molecular cloning and protein purification experiments
- Biophysically characterize the proteins and perform various biochemical assays
- Screen protein crystals for X-ray crystallography and freeze grids for Cryo-EM
- Handle insect and mammalian cell cultures for protein production
- Experience with at least one structural biology technique, such as cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography, and the ability to refine, model-build, and interpret protein structures
- Analyze and interpret experimental data and prioritize experiments for structural studies
- Maintain comprehensive and well-organized experimental records
Minimum Education and/or Training
Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area is required.
Minimum Experience
- 5+ years of research experience is required with a Bachelor's degree
- 3+ years of experience is required with a Master's degree
- No prior experience required with a PhD
- Strong knowledge and experience in understanding and application of underlying principles related to techniques being performed
- Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area
- 5+ years of research experience with a Bachelor's degree
- 3+ years of research experience with a Master's degree
- Strong knowledge and experience in understanding and application of underlying principles related to techniques being performed
- Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role
- Experience with at least one structural biology technique such as cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography
- Ability to refine, model-build, and interpret protein structures
- Molecular cloning and protein purification experience
- Biophysical characterization and biochemical assay experience
- Insect and mammalian cell culture experience
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Institutional support
- Training opportunities
- Educational advancement
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.