ASSOCIATE SCIENTIST IN CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR STRUCTURAL CELL BIOLOGY

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Associate Scientist with expertise in cryo-Electron Tomography (cryo-ET) and/or cryo-Volume EM (cryo-vEM) to join our team. This position will focus on developing and optimizing sample preparation workflows for cells and tissue biopsies with a focus on vitrification via high-pressure freezing (HPF) and cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling. The successful candidate will also be involved in data acquisition, image processing, segmentation and workflow development to advance structural cell biology research.

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:

• Develop and optimize sample preparation workflows for cryo-ET and cryo-vEM, including cell growth on EM grids, tissue sectioning, vitrification, and cryo-FIB milling on gird or with lift-out.
• Operate cryo-FIBSEM systems (Aquilos, Arctis or Hydra) with integrated fluorescence for lamella preparation and volume imaging.
• Perform cryo-correlative microscopy workflows and cryo-light microscopy as needed.
• Support tilt-series data collection using SerielEM or Tomography 5.
• Process and analyze cryo-ET or volume-EM datasets using tools such as ImageJ, Napari, Amira or Dragonfly.
• Contribute to workflow automation and hardware/software innovation in collaboration with internal teams and industry partners.
• Provide training and support to researchers on sample prep, data collection, and image processing techniques.
• Assist with instrument maintenance and protocol development to support high-throughput imaging pipelines.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

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

Minimum Experience:

• Seven (7) years of relevant work experience is required with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Five (5) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master's degree.
• Two (2) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

• PhD or equivalent degree in Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in cryo-ET and/or cryo-vEM workflows, including sample vitrification, HPF and cryo-FIB milling.
• Proficiency in operation of FIB-SEM microscopes.
• Experience in cryo-ET data collection using Titan Krios, Glacios, or Arctica microscopes.
• Familiarity with scripting or programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) is advantageous.
• Experience with cryo-correlative workflows and multimodal imaging is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate within an interdisciplinary team.

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 $65,520 - $114,400 per year for the role of Associate Scientist in Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology.

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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.