Postdoctoral Research Associate - Structural Biology - Sun lab
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and creative postdoctoral fellow to join the Sun lab in the Department of Structural Biology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The project focuses on structure-based drug discovery projects in the lab. This is an exceptional opportunity to work at the forefront of structural biology and drug discovery in a highly collaborative, well-resourced environment with access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM facilities.
Job description
Job Responsibilities
- Independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments in structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology
- Perform protein complex expression/purification (mammalian and insect systems), cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection, and high-resolution structure determination to understand the working mechanism of small molecules
- Conduct functional assays in mammalian cells and animal models to study pharmacology of novel small molecules
- Rapidly learn and integrate new techniques as the project evolves
- Maintain detailed records, analyze data, prepare manuscripts, and present results at lab meetings and scientific conferences
- Work collaboratively with team members and external collaborators while taking ownership of sub-projects
Minimum Education and Experience
- Ph.D. in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, cell biology, pharmacology, chemical biology or a closely related field
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong publication record with at least one first-author paper in a peer-reviewed journal
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior hands-on experience with single-particle cryo-EM (sample prep, data processing, model building) is a plus
- Expertise in protein expression/purification
- Background in chemical biology will be a plus
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Enthusiasm for mentoring junior lab members and contributing to a positive, supportive lab culture
Requirements
- Ph.D. in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, cell biology, pharmacology, chemical biology or a closely related field
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong publication record with at least one first-author paper in a peer-reviewed journal
- Prior hands-on experience with single-particle cryo-EM (sample prep, data processing, model building) is a plus
- Expertise in protein expression/purification
- Background in chemical biology will be a plus
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Enthusiasm for mentoring junior lab members and contributing to a positive, supportive lab culture
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Retirement Contributions
- Paid Parental Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Relocation Support
- Professional Development Funding
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.