The World’s Most Dedicated Never Give Up

There’s a reason St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is recognized as a great place to work. Because at our world-class pediatric research hospital, every one of our professionals shares our commitment to make a difference in the lives of the children we serve. There’s a unique bond when you’re part of a team that gives their all to advance the treatments and cures of pediatric catastrophic diseases. The result is a collaborative, positive environment where everyone, regardless of their role, receives the resources, support and encouragement to advance and grow their careers and be the force behind the cures.

We are seeking a motivated Lead Researcher to join the lab of Dr. Bikoff in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

The fundamental goal of our research is to understand how neural circuits control movement. We approach this from multiple perspectives, using cutting-edge technologies to analyze the molecular diversity of spinal interneurons, explore how descending systems in the brain convey information to the spinal motor system, and define the functional roles of spinal interneurons in generating behavior.

These projects are highly multidisciplinary, taking advantage of a wide range of techniques including viral tracing, optogenetics and electrophysiology, whole-brain imaging, single-cell transcriptomics, and quantitative approaches to behavior. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds that would thrive in a highly collaborative, fun, and supportive environment that provides the freedom to independently develop a research project.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• a PhD in neuroscience or related discipline

• Prior experience in electrophysiology, imaging, and/or behavior

• Familiarity with programming languages (e.g. R, Python, Matlab) for data analysis

• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications

• Ability to independently design and execute experiments and interpret data

• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary, highly collaborative environment

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

The Bikoff lab is strongly committed to providing individual mentoring and training, as well as ongoing support at all stages of career development. At St. Jude, we know what can be achieved when the brightest scientific minds face the fewest barriers. That’s why we provide world-class facilities, state-of-the-art technologies, and extraordinary support for your research to ensure scientific progress is never halted by a lack of resources.

Job Responsibilities:

• Performs laboratory experiments using existing, modified or newly developed techniques/protocols

• Sets up protocols, trouble shoots experiments using new or modified laboratory techniques

• Identifies experimental data pertinent to the analysis problem. Processes, organizes and summarizes data and reports results

• May assist in the drafting and editing of manuscripts.

• Provides basic lab operation support to include equipment maintenance and purchasing. Monitors inventory and orders lab supplies as needed. Performs calibration of instruments and equipment as necessary.

• Provides guidance to entry-level employees.

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

• Maintains regular and predictable attendance

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required

Minimum Experience:

• Five (5) years of relevant, post-degree work experience is required

• Two (2) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Master's degree

• No experience is required with a PHD

Other Information