Researcher/ Senior Researcher - Durbin Laboratory
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
The Durbin Laboratory within the Department of Oncology is seeking a highly motivated Researcher or Senior Researcher to join our team for a two-year position focused on the epigenetic regulation of transcription in cancer. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented scientist who is passionate about biomedical research and eager to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in pediatric cancer biology.
Job description
In this role, you will utilize state-of-the-art approaches in murine modeling, molecular biology, cell biology, and functional genomics to investigate the transcriptional and chromatin-based mechanisms that drive aggressive cancers. Working within a highly collaborative research environment, you will help develop and characterize in vivo models of human disease while contributing to innovative therapeutic discovery efforts.
About the Durbin Laboratory
The Durbin lab is interested in a broad, “multi-omics” approach to the epigenetically-coded processes that drive pediatric cancer. The primary research focus of the Durbin laboratory involves studying epigenetic determinants of gene regulation and transcriptional regulatory complexes in pediatric solid tumors to identify synergistic ways to target cancer cell growth. We use functional genomics, chemical biology and epigenomics to identify and characterize these dominant transcriptional regulatory complexes, their co-activators and co-repressors to define mechanistically-based strategies for pediatric solid tumor therapy.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Bachelor's degree in a biological or related scientific discipline.
- Prior experience with genetic and/or xenograft rodent models of cancer is highly preferred
- Hands-on experience working with genetic and/or xenograft rodent models of cancer.
- Strong interest in cancer biology, epigenetics, and biomedical research.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including: western blotting, molecular cloning, and functional genomics technique.
Job Responsibilities:
- Performs laboratory experiments independently using established techniques/protocols.
- Sets up protocols, trouble shoots experiments using new or modified laboratory techniques.
- Accurately records experimental procedures and data.
- Prepares and reports results/ data leading to posters, presentations or publications
- May provide guidance to entry-level employees.
- Performs other related duties as assigned in order to meet the goals of the department and institution
- Maintains regular and predictable attendance
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.
Senior Researcher Minimum Experience:
- Two (2) years of relevant, post-degree work experience is required.
- No experience is required with a Master's degree.
Researcher Minimum Experience:
- No experience required
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a biological or related scientific discipline.
- Prior experience with genetic and/or xenograft rodent models of cancer is highly preferred
- Hands-on experience working with genetic and/or xenograft rodent models of cancer.
- Strong interest in cancer biology, epigenetics, and biomedical research.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including: western blotting, molecular cloning, and functional genomics technique.
- Two (2) years of relevant, post-degree work experience is required for Senior Researcher.
- No experience is required with a Master's degree for Senior Researcher.
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.