Cell Assay Associate Scientist - Blue Sky Kinases

We are seeking an experienced cell biologist to serve as Lead/Senior Scientist in the Blue Sky Initiative “Seeing the Invisible in Protein Kinases” e Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.

• Research kinase‑mediated signaling pathways, kinase targets or kinase‑dependent phosphorylation events, and cellular outcomes of such pathways for assigned kinase projects.
• Perform appropriate cellular assays and cells in collaboration with a senior cell biology expert and characterize cellular phenotypes related to structure‑guided perturbations in kinase regulation or function.
• Evaluate protein phosphorylation, protein interaction, protein localization, RNA abundance (qRT‑PCR), protein ubiquitination, and protein abundance using a variety of cell‑based assays.
• Develop and perform cell‑based phenotypic assays, including but not limited to viability, apoptosis, autophagy, migration, or differentiation.
• Optimize and troubleshoot cell‑based assays.
• Perform statistical analysis using graphing software or R scripts.
• Interpret, analyze, and communicate cell‑based assay results within the Cell‑Based Assays team and with collaborators on specific kinase projects.

• Experience in analysis of protein kinases and phosphorylation‑dependent signaling events or pathways.
• Expertise in culturing a variety of cell types, including cancer cell lines, primary cells, mouse embryo fibroblasts, inducible human pluripotent cells, immune cells, neuronal cells, and muscle cells.
• Expertise in multiple methods for exogenous protein expression.
• Proficiency in presenting experimental design and results using PowerPoint or similar software.
• Experience with mouse models, preferred but not essential.

• Cloning, PCR, and qRT‑PCR.
• Sterile technique.
• Cell transfection, transduction, or infection to exogenously express proteins transiently or for cell‑line generation.
• Quantitative immunoassays, such as ELISA, AlphaLISA, and Mesoscale Discovery.
• Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting.
• Protein‑protein interaction analysis, such as proximity ligation, FRET, or Nano Bit assays.
• Flow cytometry and fluorescence‑activated cell sorting (FACS).
• Reporter gene assays.
• Phenotypic assays, such as viability, apoptosis, proliferation, migration, colony‑forming, autophagy, endocytosis, secretion, or differentiation assays.
• Microscopy, such as immunofluorescence, live‑cell imaging, subcellular localization, colocalization analysis.
• Cellular fractionation.

• Creative and results‑driven with strong critical thinking and the ability to learn quickly.
• Hardworking, well‑organized, flexible, and capable of multitasking efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Collaborative and efficient team member with diverse backgrounds and opinions.
• Ability to prioritize work and complete assignments promptly.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area.

• 7+ years of research experience required with a Bachelor’s degree.
• 5+ years of research experience required with a Master’s degree.
• 2+ years of research experience required with a PhD.

Your health and well‑being are important to us. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital provides high‑quality benefits choices, including medical and prescription drug plans, dental and vision plans, financial security, retirement plan, wellness programs, time‑off programs, educational benefits, family‑friendly benefits, and other unique benefits.

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The current salary range is $65,520 - $114,400 per year for the role of Cell Assay Associate Scientist – Blue Sky Kinases.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer.