Associate Scientist or Scientist - Yen Lab/Therapeutic Genome Engineering (TGEn Group)

The Scientist performs and/or coordinates a wide range of laboratory research procedures and conducts a spectrum of complex support tasks and projects determined by the field and scope of the particular research study. Also, performs a variety of laboratory techniques independently and presents results.

The Associate Scientist performs a variety of moderately complex research tasks determined by the field and scope of the particular research project/study. Also, performs tasks related to the research project independently, but within broad guidelines and subject to periodic review by supervisor or other research staff.

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, talented faculty and staff work together and with colleagues worldwide to advance the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

We are seeking an outstanding, highly motivated, and creative Scientist to join Dr. Jonathan Yen's lab and the Therapeutic Genome Engineering (TGEn) group. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and clinical researchers helping to advance genome editing strategies for treating sickle cell disease to a Phase 1 clinical trial. Our ongoing therapeutic pipeline is fueled by internal scientific discoveries directed from “bench-to-bedside” and academic collaborations. Come join TGEn to enGENEer concepts to cures!

You will have the opportunity to work with a talented interdisciplinary team of scientists to develop a cellular therapy with the goal of treating patients here at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and worldwide. The ideal candidate will have a strong combination of experience with genome editing and human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).

You will also have the opportunity to learn about and support new, exciting projects, including the development and optimization of pre-clinical genome editing strategies to treat hemoglobinopathies and other hematological diseases, process development, and IND-enabling studies (Pharm/Tox).

The ideal candidate will bring expertise in hematopoietic stem cell biology and lipid nanoparticle-based delivery technologies, including experience with non-viral delivery of genome editing reagents and nucleic acids in preclinical or translational settings.

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform studies to develop genome editing strategies for human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC).

• Design and execute IND-enabling experiments to characterize the pharmacology of a genome-edited human hematopoietic stem cell product to treat sickle cell disease.

• Characterize the efficacy, safety, and potency of the HSC cellular drug product in in vitro and xenotransplantation assays.

• Multicolor flow cytometry and FACS to sort hematopoietic populations of relevance.

• Develop experimental methods including RT-PCR, ddPCR, next-generation sequencing, and single-cell sequencing.

• Perform NGS library preparation and analysis of editing outcomes, on-target and off-target.

• Evaluate scale-up and close-system processes to ensure reproducibility of the drug product.

• Conduct exploratory research on developing novel in-vitro and in-vivo delivery strategies.

• Interact and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance the program.

• Establish tracking and trending analyses of process development and pilot runs.

• Draft documentation (protocols, batch records, reports) to standardize and transfer process to GMP facility.

• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

• Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the goals of the department and institution.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area is required.

• Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant scientific area is highly preferred.

Associate Scientist Minimum Experience:

• 7 + years of research experience is required

• 5 + years of research experience is required with a Master’s degree

• 2 + years of research experience is required with a PHD

• Experience leading and supporting research experiments preferred

• Some experience leading lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred

• Experience in guiding and training other laboratory personnel preferred

• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role

Salary range: $65,520.00 - $114,400.00

Scientist Minimum Experience:

• Eight (8) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Bachelor's degree.

• Six (6) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Master's degree.

• Three (3) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a PhD.

• Experience leading and supporting research experiments preferred.

• Some experience leading lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred.

• Experience in guiding and training other laboratory personnel preferred.

• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role.

Salary range: $86,320.00 - $154,960.00

Welcome to Memphis

This position is based in Memphis, TN; relocation assistance is available. Memphis is a family-friendly metropolitan area that more than a million residents call home. Memphis is recognized for its world-class music, food, and hospitality. Cost of living is one of our biggest attractions; in fact, Money listed Memphis as one of the least expensive cities in which to raise a child. Mild winters and beautiful green spaces make the city a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts – there are over 200 miles of bike-friendly lanes with more being added. Forbes recently named Memphis the 4th happiest city in which to work.

Apply today! A cover letter is highly recommended. 

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter as part of the application process. Please address your cover letter to:

Jonathan Yen, PhD
Department of Hematology

Mail Stop 355

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105-3678

Compensation

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. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role of Associate Scientist or Scientist - Yen Lab/Therapeutic Genome Engineering (TGEn Group).

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