SENIOR SCIENTIST / SCIENTIST - NEURO-ONCOLOGY TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

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The laboratory of Dr. Christopher Tinkle within the Department of Radiation Oncology and Dr. Anang Shelat within the Department of Chemical Biology is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist interested in translating promising small molecule drug candidates into clinical trials for pediatric brain tumors. This position will primarily conduct rigorous preclinical in vivo evaluation of drugs in clinical development for children with brain tumors using a unique collection of patient-derived orthotopic xenograft tumor models and genetically engineered mouse models, including such tumor types as medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and high-grade glioma. The goal of such studies is to inform whether a clinical trial should or should not be pursued.

Additionally, this role is expected to work alongside domain experts in the biology of pediatric brain tumors, clinicians, and pharmacologists, as well as the various institutional shared resources devoted to translational science, in a collaborative project team environment. In addition, the applicant will conduct focused in vitro studies to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics characteristics of lead compounds. 

The ideal candidate must have a strong background in cancer biology and significant experience with in vivo tolerability and efficacy studies in murine models, including basic murine husbandry, tissue procurement, processing, brain tumor xenografting, and drug administration. This person must also be comfortable working with 2D and 3D cell culture techniques. The candidate should be familiar with the basic principles of preclinical therapeutic evaluation, including such concepts as drug formulation, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the statistical analysis of survival studies. This role is expected to work closely with the institution’s shared resources and laboratories within the Brain Tumor Program to conduct experiments.

Job Responsibilities:

• Conducts experiments/projects independently under the overall direction of the PI and/or more senior scientist.

• Develops new research protocols, techniques, and procedures.

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

• Monitors quality and integrity of recorded information and data.

• Ensures data collection and entry methods meet quality standards. Interprets data as it relates to research problem.

• May publish as co-author and/or draft sections of research manuscripts as necessary.

• Presents research to colleagues within the organization or at external meetings/events.

• Provides lab operation support and recommends equipment use and maintenance, supplies, etc. Troubleshoots instrument and equipment issues. Provides input into lab operation processes and procedures. Recommends equipment acquisition and decommissioning.

• Regularly trains and oversees the work of others in laboratory techniques and procedures.

• 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.

Senior Scientist Minimum Experience:

• Ten (10) years of relevant work experience is required.

• 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.

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 Senior Scientist / Scientist - Neuro-Oncology Translational Research.

Explore our exceptional benefits!

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world—regardless of race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. Learn more about our history and commitment.

Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital’s roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.

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