Associate Scientist​/Scientist: Kosinski's Lab

Position: Associate Scientist/ Scientist: Kosinski's Lab
The World's Brightest Minds Always Innovate At St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, we believe extraordinary discoveries happen when exceptional scientists are empowered with exceptional resources. That's why we provide world-class facilities, cutting-edge technologies, collaborative expertise, and an environment where research rapidly translates from bench to bedside.e, your work has a direct impact on improving and saving the lives of children around the world.

We encourage bold ideas, scientific curiosity, and a relentless commitment to advancing discoveries that matter.

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist or Scientist to join the newly established laboratory of Dr. Jan Kosinski. This individual will serve as the scientific and operational leader of the laboratory's wet-lab program and play a key role in launching and building the research operation from the ground up.

The Kosinski Laboratory investigates the influenza A virus infection cycle within cells and develops innovative approaches for in-cell structural biology. Our research integrates cryo-electron tomography, crosslinking mass spectrometry, cell biology, and computational approaches to uncover fundamental mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions.

The laboratory will open e in January 2027 as part of Dr. Kosinski's relocation from EMBL Hamburg.

This is a unique opportunity for a scientifically driven individual who enjoys both hands-on research and laboratory leadership. The successful candidate will help establish laboratory infrastructure, oversee critical virology and cell culture operations, mentor trainees, and develop an independent research program focused on influenza biology and advanced cellular model systems.

Key Responsibilities Scientific Research Lead and oversee the laboratory's cell culture and influenza virology operations.

Maintain mammalian cell lines and primary cell cultures.

Produce, titrate, validate, and maintain influenza virus stocks.

Generate recombinant and tagged influenza viruses using reverse genetics approaches.

Develop stable and CRISPR-engineered cell lines to support research programs.

Perform molecular biology and biochemical techniques including:

Cloning Transfections Immunoprecipitations Western  blotting

Conduct fluorescence and confocal microscopy experiments.

Analyze experimental data and maintain high-quality research documentation.

Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, grant applications, and scientific publications.

Present findings within the laboratory, at institutional seminars, and at scientific conferences.

Laboratory Operations & Management Lead the setup of the new laboratory, including equipment procurement, installation, and commissioning.

Manage inventories, consumables, reagent stocks, and laboratory resources.

Oversee service contracts and equipment maintenance activities.

Ensure compliance with BSL-2 laboratory operations and institutional safety requirements.

Manage SOP development, biosafety documentation, EH&S compliance, and training records.

Maintain laboratory electronic notebooks, protocol repositories, and data management systems.

Train, onboard, and mentor laboratory personnel in experimental procedures and best practices.

Provide supervision and scientific guidance to junior staff and trainees as the laboratory grows.

Preferred Qualifications Successful candidates will demonstrate expertise in many of the following areas:

Core Scientific Expertise Mammalian cell culture, including primary cell culture systems

Influenza virology, including:

Virus propagation

Viral infections

Plaque assaysTCID
50 assays

Viral stock quality controlBSL-2 laboratory operations and biosafety practices

Molecular biology techniques, including:

Cloning

TransfectionCRISPR-based genome engineering

Stable cell line generation

Protein biochemistry methods, including immunoprecipitation and western blotting

Fluorescence microscopy and confocal imaging

Laboratory documentation, inventory management, and regulatory compliance

Additional Desired Experience Influenza reverse genetics and recombinant virus generation

Organoid, air-liquid interface, or other tissue-derived model systems

Experience establishing or expanding laboratory operations

Electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) administration or laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
Sample preparation for electron microscopy or mass spectrometry

Proteomics workflows and crosslinking mass spectrometry

Training, mentorship, and supervision of scientific staff and students

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