Associate Research Scientist (TIRTL Collaborative Center)

The Tracking the Immune Repertoire of Tumor Lymphocytes (TIRTL) Bluesky program in the Host–Microbe Interactions Department at St. Jude supports multiple institutional research and clinical programs focused on immune repertoire profiling. Building on the foundational TIRTL seq (Pogorelyy and Kirk et al., Nature Methods 2025) method, we provide cohort scale T cell and B cell receptor (TCR and BCR) sequencing, enabling research in cancer immunology, infectious disease, and antibody discovery across the institution.

We are seeking an Associate Scientist to play a key role in high-throughput immune repertoire sequencing and antibody discovery across cancer and infectious disease programs. In this position, you will perform TCR/BCR repertoire sequencing, identify tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and, isolate and culture B cells after antigen exposure.

Job description.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform TCR/BCR immune repertoire sequencing by following established protocols.
• Assist in developing new lab techniques as needed.
• Isolate, culture, and manipulate primary immune cells (T cells, B cells, TILs).
• Perform cell and molecular biology assays including flow cytometry, PCR/qPCR, ELISA.
• Operate and maintain automated liquid handling systems for high-throughput workflows.
• Maintain laboratory readiness, including managing inventory, and routine lab upkeep.
• Document experiments, maintain SOPs, and ensure sample traceability and data quality.
• Collaborate with computational and clinical teams to support immune profiling projects.
• Assist in drafting sections of research manuscripts.

Preferred skills:

• Hands-on experience in cell and molecular biology and immunology.
• Experience with NGS library preparation and high-throughput sequencing workflows.
• Familiarity with BCR/TCR biology or immune repertoire concepts.
• Experience with flow cytometry and immune phenotyping.
• Experience using automated liquid handlers.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to work in a team environment.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area

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

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 $65,520 - $114,400 per year for the role of Associate Research Scientist (TIRTL Collaborative Center).

Explore our exceptional benefits!

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.