Senior Researcher OR Researcher - Hartwell Center for Biotechnology
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
The Genome Sequencing Facility in the Hartwell Center for Biotechnology is recruiting a Researcher OR Senior Researcher to join our team. The Genome Sequencing Facility's mission is to provide St. Jude investigators state-of-the-art genomics tools for biomedical discovery. Services include short read sequencing, long read sequencing, DNA genotyping, and microarray technologies.
Job description
The Genome Sequencing Researcher supports the daily operation of a genomics core facility by performing sample processing, quality control, sequencing library preparation, sequencing instrument operation, and data delivery activities. The successful candidate will work within established workflows to generate high-quality genomic data for internal customers while adhering to laboratory quality standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and project timelines.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform sample receipt, handling, tracking, and quality assessment using established laboratory procedures.
- Prepare high-quality sequencing libraries for a variety of genomics applications following validated protocols and SOPs.
- Operate, monitor, and maintain next-generation sequencing instruments and associated laboratory equipment.
- Execute routine laboratory workflows with a high level of accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
- Ensure complete and accurate documentation of laboratory activities, procedures, and results.
- Assist with sequencing run setup, monitoring, and post-run activities, including data transfer and delivery.
- Follow laboratory quality management practices, SOPs, and safety requirements.
- Contribute to laboratory organization, reagent preparation, inventory management, and equipment maintenance.
- Support process improvements that increase laboratory efficiency, throughput, and service quality.
- Communicate effectively with core facility staff and customers regarding order status, sample requirements, and data delivery timelines.
- Collaborate with team members to meet schedules and customer expectations.
Preferred Skills
- Experience working in a genomics core facility or next-generation sequencing environment.
- Hands-on experience with sample QC, sequencing library preparation, and sequencing instrument operation.
- Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or sample tracking systems.
- Familiarity with Linux or other command-line computing environments for routine file management and data transfer.
- Experience with automated liquid-handling systems or other laboratory automation platforms.
Researcher
Minimum Education and/or Training: Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required. Minimum Experience: no experience required.
Senior Researcher
Minimum Education and/or Training: Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required. Minimum Experience: Two (2) years of research experience is required. No prior experience is required with a Master's degree. Working knowledge and understanding of underlying concepts and principles of experimental design. Experience with the most widely used techniques used in the home laboratory. Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required
- Two (2) years of research experience is required for Senior Researcher
- No prior experience is required with a Master's degree
- Working knowledge and understanding of underlying concepts and principles of experimental design
- Experience with the most widely used techniques used in the home laboratory
- Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role
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.