Cell Assay Associate Scientist - Blue Sky Kinases

We are looking for an experienced cell biologist to participate in our exciting studies of the human protein kinome. This Lead/Senior Scientist position is part of the Blue Sky Initiative “Seeing the Invisible in Protein Kinases” at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

As a member of the Cell-Based Assays team, the candidate will use their molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell culture skills to perform research that translates novel insights regarding kinase structure and regulation in vitro into functional effects in cells. Additionally, the candidate will assist in performing cell-based analysis in high-, medium-, and low-throughput platforms of candidate inhibitors of kinases.

The work is diverse providing an opportunity to study multiple kinases, perform appropriate background research, optimize cell-based assays of various types using many different cell lines or primary cells. Not only are the cell-based studies used to validate the structural findings, but they are also used to discover new kinase-mediated biology or new mechanisms of kinase regulation.

The Blue Sky Initiative “Seeing the Invisible in Protein Kinases” is an inter-disciplinary project in the Department of Structural Biology. This large-scale project leverages ultra-high field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), complemented with cryoEM, X-ray crystallography, data-science and computational approaches, to characterize the conformational landscape of the human kinome. Knowledge of kinase conformations is then used to discover new biology of kinase function and regulation in cells, understand the structural and functional consequences of disease-associated mutations, and identify novel therapeutic opportunities.

Responsibilities:

• Research kinase-mediated signaling pathways, kinase targets or kinase-dependent phosphorylation events, and cellular outcomes of such pathways for assigned kinase projects
• Perform appropriate cellular assays and cells in collaboration with senior cell biology expert in the team and characterize cellular phenotypes related to structure-guided perturbations in kinase regulation or function
• Evaluate protein phosphorylation, protein interaction, protein localization, RNA abundance (qRT-PCR), protein ubiquitination, and protein abundance using variety of cell based assays.
• Develop and perform cell-based phenotypic assays, including but not limited to viability, apoptosis, autophagy, migration, or differentiation
• Perform optimization and troubleshooting of cell-based assays
• Perform statistical analysis using graphing software or R scripts
• Interpret, analyze, and communicate cell-based assay results within the Cell-Based Assays team and with collaborators on specific kinase projects

Preferred Experience and Expertise:

• Experience in analysis of protein kinases and phosphorylation-dependent signaling events or pathways
• Expertise in culturing a variety of types of cells, such as cancer cell lines, primary cells, mouse embryo fibroblasts, inducible human pluripotent cells, immune cells, neuronal cells, and muscle cells
• Expertise in multiple methods for exogenous protein expression
• Proficiency in the presentation of experimental design and results using PowerPoint or similar software
• Experience with mouse models, preferred but not essential

Preferred Technical Capabilities:

• Cloning, PCR, and qRT-PCR
• Sterile technique
• Cell transfection, transduction, or infection to exogenously express proteins of interest transiently or for cell line generation
• Quantitative immunoassays, such as ELISA, AlphaLISA, and Mesoscale Discovery
• Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting
• Protein-protein interaction analysis, such as proximity ligation, FRET, or NanoBit assays
• Flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)
• Reporter gene assays
• Phenotypic assays, such as viability, apoptosis, proliferation, migration, colony-forming, autophagy, endocytosis, secretion, or differentiation assays
• Microscopy, such as immunofluorescence, live-cell imaging, subcellular localization, colocalization analysis
• Cellular fractionation

Preferred Competencies:

• Creative and results-driven with strong critical thinking and the ability to learn quickly
• Hardworking, well-organized, flexible, and capable of multitasking efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative and efficient member of teams with diverse backgrounds and opinions
• Ability to prioritize work and complete assignments promptly

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area

Minimum Experience:

• 7 + years of research experience is required with a Bachelor's degree
• 5 + years of research experience is required with a Master’s degree
• 2 + years of research 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 $65,520 - $114,400 per year for the role of Cell Assay Associate Scientist - Blue Sky Kinases.

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