Postdoctoral Research Associate – Gibson (Cell & Molecular Biology) and Skiniotis (Structural Biology) Laboratories
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
The Gibson and Skiniotis research groups invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead a joint effort to uncover fundamental mechanisms of higher-order genome organization. The fellow will use cryo-electron microscopy and tomography (cryo-EM/cryo-ET) to analyze chromatin structures within both cells and condensed chromatin assemblies produced in vitro.
Job description
Dual-Mentorship Training Environment
This position is co-mentored, with the fellow holding a home in both laboratories and full membership in both groups, including joint lab meetings, shared project planning, and co-authored publications. The Gibson laboratory studies how phase transitions guide higher-order genome structure and impact human disease, combining chromatin biochemistry, quantitative condensate biophysics, cellular engineering, genomics, and advanced microscopy. The Skiniotis laboratory is internationally recognized for cryo-EM studies of macromolecular signaling complexes and advances multiscale imaging technologies for cells and tissues.
Position Responsibilities
- Design and execute experiments to reconstitute and characterize condensed chromatin assemblies in vitro
- Prepare cryo-EM and cryo-ET specimens of chromatin assemblies and cells, including cryo-FIB milling for in situ tomography
- Collect, process, and interpret single-particle cryo-EM and cryo-ET/subtomogram averaging datasets
- Integrate structural findings with biochemical, biophysical, and cellular data to build mechanistic models of genome organization
- Present research at national and international meetings and prepare high-impact publications
- Contribute to the collaborative scientific life of both laboratories and mentor junior trainees
Minimum Education and/or Training
PhD (or MD/PhD) in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, cell biology, or a related field, completed or expected at the time of appointment.
Special Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- A record of research productivity, including first-author publication(s) or preprint(s)
- Hands-on experience in at least one of the following: cryo-EM/cryo-ET, chromatin or nucleic acid–protein biochemistry, or quantitative biophysics of macromolecular assemblies
- A passion for rigorous, mechanism-driven science and a thoughtful, collaborative mindset
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with nucleosome or chromatin reconstitution
- Experience with cryo-EM/cryo-ET data processing (e.g., RELION, cryoSPARC, IMOD, Warp/M)
- Familiarity with scripting or programming for image analysis (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
Requirements
- PhD (or MD/PhD) in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, cell biology, or a related field, completed or expected at the time of appointment
- A record of research productivity, including first-author publication(s) or preprint(s)
- Hands-on experience in at least one of the following: cryo-EM/cryo-ET, chromatin or nucleic acid–protein biochemistry, or quantitative biophysics of macromolecular assemblies
- A passion for rigorous, mechanism-driven science and a thoughtful, collaborative mindset
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Experience with nucleosome or chromatin reconstitution
- Experience with cryo-EM/cryo-ET data processing (e.g., RELION, cryoSPARC, IMOD, Warp/M)
- Familiarity with scripting or programming for image analysis (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
Benefits
- Competitive salary exceeding NIH scale
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- $0 premium individual coverage
- 401(b) retirement plan
- 7% institutional contribution
- $2,500 professional development allowance
- Relocation assistance
- SMaRT career development plan
- CAP career advancement fellowship
- On-campus childcare access
- Free fitness center
- Generous paid time off
- Provided laptop
- Postdoc community programming
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.