Lead Researcher - Brain Organoid Biology for Pediatric Neurological Disease Research

Lead Researcher: Brain Organoid Biology for Pediatric Neurological Disease Research, St. Jude Pediatric Translational Neuroscience Initiative, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has established an expansive initiative in translational neuroscience with a mission to understand and treat catastrophic childhood neurological disease.  This new initiative integrates basic and clinical neuroscience and partners with industry and foundations to develop and implement novel therapies. A key component of this is the Center for Pediatric Neurological Disease Research (CPNDR). Principal Investigators in CPNDR employ innovative laboratory-based research programs using cutting-edge approaches in molecular, genetic, biochemical, biophysical, cellular anatomical, and behavioral approaches to elucidate disease mechanisms and test therapeutic strategies relevant to understanding and treating pediatric neurological disease.

[https://www.stjude.org/research/initiatives/pediatric-translational-neuroscience-initiative.html]

CPNDR is currently recruiting for a Lead Researcher for the brain organoid core, which provides resources and advice to support researchers working on pediatric neurological disease pathogenesis and treatment. The successful recruit will be experienced in general neural cell culturing methodology and in the generation of iPSC-derived brain organoids. They will work closely with the Brain Organoid Core Director to support brain organoid production and research, serving CPNDR investigators and other neuroscience researchers at St. Jude. The organoid resource is tasked with generating high-quality brain organoids such as forebrain, thalamic, cerebellar, and midbrain organoids. The core also provides guidance in the development and execution of new and existing techniques and procedures related to organoid generation, maintenance and usage. They will engage in projects focused on basic and translational research, enabling investigators to tackle diverse scientific questions. Strong interpersonal skills and proficiency in scientific communication and record keeping are also required for this position.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and perform procedures using established or modified techniques/protocols
• Implement new but established protocols without individual training
• Troubleshoot experiments and identify anomalies in own data
• Consistently monitors current literature and trends within field
• Accurately record experimental procedures and data
• Prepare and report results/ data leading to posters, presentations, or publications
• Provide guidance to less-experienced team members
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and the institution.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

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

Minimum Experience:

• 5+ years of research experience is required with a Bachelor's degree
• 3+ years of experience is required with a Master’s degree
• No prior experience required with a PHD
• Strong knowledge and experience in understanding and application of underlying principles related to the techniques being performed
• Experience in R&D methods and processes in a lab setting, and execution of research projects for the laboratory preferred
• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role

Better at Work. Better at Life. 

When you work at St. Jude, you’ll join a highly collaborative work culture that inspires you every day to be your best.  With opportunities for learning and growth, you can shape a career path that is right for you while also enjoying all the benefits and stability of working for a world-class institution. This includes work-life balance with generous paid time-off and on-campus conveniences that make life a little easier. Join us and you’ll quickly see why St. Jude is consistently ranked by our employees on Glassdoor as a “Best Place to Work.”   

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St Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a private, not-for-profit institute that is internationally recognized for its commitment to performing cutting edge research and providing state of the art clinical services, with the goal to improve the outcome for children with catastrophic diseases. 

Interested applicants should email a curriculum vitae, a brief summary of accomplishments, together with the names and contact information of three professional references.

Please address your cover letter to Dr. Peter McKinnon:

Member, St. Jude Faculty / Director, Center for Pediatric Neurological Disease Research

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

Compensation

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