Scientist / Sr. Scientist — Cell, Molecular & Chemical Biology (Taosheng Chen Lab)
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
The Taosheng Chen Lab within the Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics is seeking a collaborative and innovative Scientist or Senior Scientist with expertise in cell biology, molecular biology, and/or chemical biology to lead research efforts to develop and characterize the mechanisms of action of novel chemical probes—including agonists, antagonists, and degraders—targeting the nuclear receptors PXR and CAR.
Job description
The successful candidate will independently design and execute studies, generate high-quality datasets to test scientific hypotheses, and integrate findings across multiple disciplines. The candidate will work closely with in-house structural biologists and medicinal chemists to generate complementary data and advance projects, and will take a leading role in organizing and writing multidisciplinary manuscripts.
Research Focus & Key Projects
- Developing and characterizing novel chemical probes, including agonists, antagonists, and degraders, targeting nuclear receptors.
- Investigating the mechanisms of action of small molecules and protein degraders, including PROTAC-based approaches.
- Defining how chemical modulation of PXR and CAR influences transcriptional networks, drug metabolism, chemotherapy response, and tumorigenesis.
- Collaborating with structural biologists to understand ligand-protein interactions and guide structure-based discovery efforts.
- Leading the integration of multidisciplinary findings into manuscripts, publications, and future grant-supported research initiatives.
Job Responsibilities
- Conducts experiments/projects independently under overall direction of the PI and/or more senior scientist.
- Develops new research protocols, techniques and procedures.
- Identifies experimental data pertinent to the analysis problem.
- Processes, organizes and summarizes data, reporting these experimental results.
- Monitors quality and integrity of recorded information and data.
- Ensures data collection and entry methods meet quality standards.
- Interprets data as it relates to research problem.
- May publish as co-author and/or draft sections of research manuscripts as necessary.
- Presents research to colleagues within the organization or at external meetings/events.
- Provides lab operation support and makes recommendations regarding equipment use and maintenance, supplies, etc.
- Troubleshoots instrument and equipment issues.
- Provides input into lab operation processes and procedures.
- Recommends equipment acquisition and decommissioning.
- Regularly trains and oversees the work of others in laboratory techniques and procedures.
- Performs other related duties as assigned in order to meet the goals of the department and institution.
- Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required
- PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, chemical biology, pharmacology, or a related field strongly preferred
- Productive postdoctoral research experience strongly preferred
- Strong track record of high-quality research and publication in peer-reviewed journals
- Strong cell and molecular biology expertise with exposure to chemical biology
- Experience evaluating small-molecule mechanisms of action
- Understanding of structural biology and medicinal chemistry concepts
- Relevant experience should include several of the following: DNA cloning, plasmid construction, and related molecular biology techniques; RNA isolation, gene expression analysis, and transcriptional profiling; Western blotting, protein–compound interactions, protein–protein interactions, and/or proteomic profiling; evaluating cellular activity, mechanism of action, and/or pharmacology of small-molecule compounds; basic understanding of protein crystal structures and ligand–protein interactions; basic understanding of small-molecule structures and structure–activity relationships
- Murine studies experience is a plus
- Senior Scientist: Ten (10) years relevant work experience is required; Eight (8) years with a Master's degree; Five (5) years with a PhD
- Scientist: Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required; Six (6) years with a Master's degree; Three (3) years with a PhD
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.