We are seeking a highly motivated and service-oriented Scientist with expertise in cryo-Electron Tomography (cryo-ET) to join our team. This role supports St. Jude’s expanding cryo-ET capabilities and provides direct assistance to a diverse community of researchers using state-of-the-art cryo-EM technologies to advance discoveries in pediatric cancer, infectious disease, and fundamental biology.

As part of the cryoEM/ET center, the successful candidate will play a central role in enabling end-to-end cryo-ET workflows ranging from specimen preparation and cryo-FIB milling to cryo-TEM data acquisition and preliminary analysis. The position is service-oriented, collaborative, and offers opportunities to participate in technology development projects, evaluate new methods, and contribute to the strategic growth of cryo-ET capabilities within St. Jude.

The World’s Brightest Minds Always Innovate  

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 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. Extraordinary support. And a collaborative, bench-to-bedside environment where you can see, firsthand, how your science translates into survival for the children we serve. Quite simply, at St. Jude, we encourage you to dream big and stop at nothing when it comes to finding cures and saving children. 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support for cryo-ET sample preparation, including plunge freezing, high-pressure freezing, cryo-CLEM workflows, cryo-FIB lamella preparation, and TEM screening
• Operate, maintain, and monitor high-end cryo-EM instrumentation (Titan Krios, Glacios, Arctica and Aquilos 2) to ensure optimal performance and maximize user access
• Train new and experienced users in cryo-ET techniques, microscope operation, and best-practice standards aligned with cryoEM/ET center’s guidelines
• Work closely with researchers to design and execute tomography data-collection strategies that meet research goals
• Perform initial quality assessment of tilt-series data and assist users with reconstruction and early-stage data processing
• Participate in development and optimization of emerging cryo-ET workflows, protocols, and automation strategies
• Maintain accurate documentation related to user training, sample preparation sessions, instrument usage, and standard operating procedures
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and service-focused environment that reflects St. Jude’s commitment to excellence and collaboration

Minimum Education and/or Training:

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

Minimum Experience for a Scientist Level:

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

Minimum Experience for a Senior Scientist Level:

• Ten (10) years relevant work experience is required with a Bachelor's degree.
• Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master's degree.
• Five (5) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD.

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role of Scientist or $104,000 - $186,160 per year for the role of Senior Scientist.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

• PhD or equivalent degree in Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry or a related field
• Demonstrated experience with cryo-EM workflows, ideally including cryo-ET sample preparation, lamella milling, and tomography data acquisition
• Strong understanding of microscope alignment, image acquisition parameters, and cryo-EM instrumentation
• Hands-on experience with tilt-series acquisition, tomogram reconstruction, and subtomogram averaging pipelines (e.g., IMOD, Dynamo, RELION, M/Warp, EMAN2)
• Ability to troubleshoot complex workflows and assist users with technical challenges
• Excellent communication skills for working in a diverse, multi-disciplinary user environment
• Interest in technology development, workflow automation, or method optimization.

The World’s Best Stop at Nothing  

There’s a reason St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is consistently ranked on Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work” list. Actually, there are more than 5,500 reasons. At our world-class pediatric research hospital, every one of our 5,500 professionals shares our commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children we serve. There’s a unique bond when you are part of a team that will stop at nothing to advance the treatments and cures of pediatric catastrophic diseases. The result is a collaborative, positive environment where all employees, regardless of their role, receive the resources, support, and encouragement to advance and grow their careers. 

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.”    

Benefits 

Your health and well-being are important to us. That's why St. Jude Children's Research Hospital provides employees with high-quality benefits choices.  

We are committed to ensuring our benefits are competitive and affordable. St. Jude continues to cover medical premiums for employees and offers low additional costs for dependents.  

View all the benefits offered including Medical & Prescription Drug Plans, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Financial Security, Retirement Plan, Living Well - Employee Wellness Program, Time Off Programs, Educational Benefits, Family Friendly Benefits, and Benefits Unique to St. Jude. 

Have More in Memphis  

Get the best of big-city amenities mixed with all the charm of a small-town feel when you live in Memphis. From our world-renowned music scene to our eclectic mix of food and people. Memphis is a place our employees are proud to call home. Our region enjoys a cost of living more than 20% lower than the national average and our state places no personal income tax on wages. Plus, Memphians spend five hours less per year in their daily commute compared to the national average. Learn how you can “Have More in Memphis.” 

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 $104,000 - $186,160 per year for the role of Scientist or Senior Scientist Opportunity in the St Jude cryoEM/ET center.

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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.