Job Description

We are seeking a creative and highly motivated Lead Researcher to assist in the development and clinical testing of novel functional precision medicine methods to improve cancer treatment outcomes in the Pharmacotyping Resource, located in the Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN. The Pharmacotyping Resource is a translational laboratory with a strong emphasis on functional precision medicine and collaborative pharmacogenomics research that will translate to improving patient therapy. The resource uses state-of-the-art fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry-based platforms to test drug sensitivity profiles (pharmacotyping) of a variety of pathologic tissues obtained from children with catastrophic diseases, with a focus on pediatric cancer. The Lead Researcher will have the unique opportunity to introduce novel clinical testing that will influence patient care, as well as participate in the design and conduct of pharmacogenomics research studies. You will work as part of a talented interdisciplinary team of scientists.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Independently perform experiments with primary patient samples in a clinical research setting.
• Set up protocols using new or modified laboratory techniques and troubleshoot experiments independently.
• Develop new research techniques and procedures as required.
• Communicate with internal and external collaborators and clinical research coordinators to collect patient samples, ensuring proper documentation and quality control.
• Accurately record experimental procedures and data; report results.
• Assist in the drafting and editing of manuscripts, posters, SOPs, and policies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the functional precision medicine field and related regulatory aspects.
• Provide guidance and training to team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and the institution.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

​ Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area is required

Minimum Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum Requirement: PhD with no prior experience OR Master's degree in relevant scientific area with 3+ years of research experience OR Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area with 5+ years of research experience. Master's or PhD strongly preferred for this position.
• Strong knowledge and experience in the application of underlying principles related to pharmacogenomics and functional precision medicine.
• Experience with flow cytometry techniques is preferred.
• Experience leading and supporting research experiments is preferred.
• Some experience leading lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities is preferred.

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 $60,320 - $105,040 per year for the role of Lead Researcher - Pharmacotyping Resource.

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St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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