Senior Researcher​/Lead Researcher – Immuno-Oncology Preclinical Modeling

Join our Team! The Center of Excellence for Pediatric Immuno-Oncology (CEPIO) is seeking a Lead Researcher in the Center’s immuno-oncology (I-O) modeling core. CEPIO is a cross-disciplinary center supporting the development and translation of innovative immuno-oncology approaches across St. Jude. The CEPIO I-O modeling core provides validated preclinical modeling expertise to support studies in cancer biology, immunotherapy, and therapeutic development. The Lead Researcher supports the execution of preclinical immuno-oncology studies, independently performing animal procedures, therapeutic treatments, sample collection, and laboratory assays using established or modified protocols.

The position translates experimental plans into organized, reproducible, and well-documented in vivo and laboratory workflows. The ideal candidate will have strong hands‑on experience with murine cancer models and preclinical therapeutic studies, including tumor implantation, treatment administration, murine monitoring, sample collection, and surgical procedures. The position works under the direction of the head of the CEPIO I-O modeling core to support efficient study execution and completion.

• Independently perform preclinical in vivo studies using established or modified experimental protocols.
• Execute assigned study activities, including animal scheduling, treatments, procedures, sample collection, and study endpoints.
• Perform murine procedures for preclinical cancer and immuno-oncology studies, including tumor implantation/inoculation, therapeutic administration by multiple routes (IV, PO, IP, subcutaneous), survival procedures, murine monitoring, and blood and tissue collection.
• Perform wet-laboratory procedures supporting preclinical studies, including cell culture, tumor cell preparation, tissue processing, nucleic acid and protein preparation, PCR/genotyping, and molecular, cellular, and/or immune-related assays.
• Implement established or modified protocols with limited guidance and troubleshoot experimental procedures as needed.
• Monitor murine health and study progress; accurately document procedures, treatments, observations, samples, and study records; and organize and summarize experimental data and study results.
• Maintain organized schedules and records for multiple concurrent studies.
• Work with CEPIO laboratory and animal facility staff to support study execution.
• Contribute to the development, optimization, and documentation of laboratory procedures and SOPs.
• Maintain equipment, supplies, reagents, and study materials needed for assigned research activities; monitor inventory, assist with purchasing, and support routine equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Provide technical guidance and training to less experienced team members in established procedures and laboratory practices.
• Prepare and contribute to research reports, presentations, posters, and publications with guidance from the head of the CEPIO I-O modeling core.