Postdoctoral Research Associate (Hillman Lab) Department of Imaging Sciences
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
The Hillman Lab, within the newly formed Department of Imaging Sciences at St Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking motivated post-doctoral scientists and engineers interested in the development and application of advanced optical imaging and microscopy methods. The Hillman Lab brings together researchers from physics, engineering, and biology in a collaborative and intellectually open environment. We are driven to connect technology development with meaningful biological insights, aligning with the research and clinical missions of St Jude.
Job description
Areas of Interest
- Microscopy development and applications: Design, construction and application of high-speed 3D microscopy methods including SCAPE / light-sheet approaches, two-photon, fluorescence lifetime and vibrational imaging methods.
- Large-scale and high-throughput imaging and analysis pipelines: data acquisition and analysis to characterize cell-types and connectivity in mammalian brain in health and disease, with extensions to high-content spatial-omics analysis and digital pathology.
- Functional brain imaging: Application of wide-field optical mapping in awake, behaving mice to study brain-behavior-movement and neurovascular relationships in health and disease.
Contributions can include novel, hypothesis-driven experimental design and data acquisition, as well as analysis and modelling of multi-dimensional datasets. Strong candidates with novel or complementary backgrounds or skill sets are also encouraged to apply. Trainees will be encouraged to pursue independent ideas while contributing to shared technical and scientific goals, with strong support from the broader imaging and research infrastructure at St. Jude. The position also offers access to institutional resources for career development and training within a highly collaborative research community.
Requirements
- Background in physics, engineering, or biology
- Interest in microscopy and imaging technologies
- Motivated researcher capable of pursuing independent ideas
- Contribution to collaborative technical goals
Benefits
- Career Development Resources
- Training Opportunities
- Collaborative Research Community
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.