Scientist – Chen Lab, Center for Pediatric Neurological Disease Research

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, every discovery, every experiment, and every collaboration is driven by one shared mission—to find cures and save children. The Chen Lab, within the Center for Pediatric Neurological Disease Research, is seeking a passionate and creative Scientist to join our growing team. The Chen Lab’s research seeks to accelerate therapeutic development for childhood brain disorders by combining stem cell-derived organoid models with advanced gene-targeting tools. Our recent studies highlight the power of human stem cell models to uncover disease mechanisms in ways traditional systems cannot—offering new hope for children with rare or difficult-to-treat conditions.

Our research focuses on how genetic variants contribute to diseases during early development and on developing mechanism-driven therapeutics. While murine models have advanced our understanding of many disorders, developing highly effective therapeutics are still lagging, especially for newly identified rare disease variants for children. 

As a scientist in the Chen Lab, you’ll play a key role in projects exploring the molecular and genetic underpinnings of neurological disorders, while also contributing to the design of mechanism-driven therapeutics. You’ll have opportunities to drive independent ideas, collaborate across disciplines, and grow scientifically within St. Jude’s vibrant and collaborative community.

What You’ll Work On

• Investigating how genetic variants influence early brain development using human stem cell–derived organoids and assembloids.

• Integrating single-cell multiomics, spatial transcriptomics, long-read sequencing, and high-throughput imaging to discover new disease mechanisms.

• Developing therapeutics grounded in genome engineering, antisense oligonucleotides, and small molecule discovery—bridging the gap between bench and bedside.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Backgrounds in cell and molecular biology, cell culture, imaging, and statistics.

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

• Be collaborative, curious, highly motivated, and a strong communicator.

Job Responsibilities:

• Coordinates multiple aspects of research projects and carries out laboratory experiments utilizing various laboratory techniques, and determines whether additional or other tools or methods are required.

• Provides input regarding research protocols and experiments. 

• Sets up protocols and assists in developing new laboratory techniques as required.

• Identifies experimental data pertinent to the analysis problem. 

• Processes, organizes and summarizes data, reporting these experimental results as required. 

• Monitors quality and integrity of recorded information and data.

• May draft sections of research manuscripts.

• Provides basic lab operation support to include equipment maintenance and purchasing.

• Monitors inventory levels and orders lab supplies as needed. 

• Performs calibration of instruments and equipment. 

• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.

Minimum Experience:

• Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required

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

• Three (3) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD

Why Join the Chen Lab Team?

• Lead innovative projects on disease modeling and therapeutic discovery

• Gain hands-on experience with stem cell, omics, and gene therapy platforms

• Receive personalized mentorship and career development support

• Have opportunities to pursue your own research interests and collaborate across disciplines

• Work in a supportive and well-funded team with access to core facilities and institutional resources

About Memphis

St. Jude is based in Memphis, Tennessee—a city known for its rich cultural heritage, affordable cost of living, and vibrant lifestyle.

• Nature: Explore the Mississippi River or the 4,500-acre Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country.

• Culture: Experience world-famous music history and vibrant arts, from Elvis Presley’s Graceland to live blues on Beale Street.

• Affordability: Memphis consistently ranks among the most affordable U.S. cities, allowing your income to stretch further.

Compensation

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.