Postdoctoral Fellow on Gene- and Metabolism-Targeting Therapeutics
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
Postdoctoral positions are available in the lab of Dr. Jian Xu at Department of Pathology and Center of Excellence for Leukemia Studies (CELS) at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to study the genetic, epigenetic and metabolic processes that control stem cell development, blood disorders, and childhood cancers. We employ high-throughput epigenomics, metabolomics, single-cell multiomics, (epi)genome editing, and preclinical models to define disease-associated epigenetic and metabolic programs that control stem cell development, and how these processes go awry in cancer progression.
Job description
Our lab is equipped with cutting-edge genomics, metabolomics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics platforms, including in-house LC-MS and GS-MS-based metabolomic platforms, illumina sequencer, 10xGenomics single-cell technologies, and flow cytometry. Our team brings together enthusiastic scientists with diverse backgrounds and provides a wide range of perspectives in a multi-disciplinary and collaborative team setting.
Potential research projects:
- Identify and target metabolic and epigenetic vulnerabilities in blood cancers and therapy response
- Develop non-coding RNA-based nucleic acid therapeutics for inherited blood disorders
- Target disease-associated metabolic processes using pharmacologic and genetic approaches
- Develop AI/ML tools for integrating metabolomics, transcriptomics, and genomics datasets across development and disease
Requirements
- Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree
- Strong background in hematology/oncology, metabolism research, biochemistry, molecular biology, and/or a related field
- Independence, flexibility and creativity
- Record of scientific productivity
- Previous experience in metabolomics, computational biology, and/or hematology-oncology is strongly preferred
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.