Associate Research Scientist (TIRTL Collaborative Center)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital • Memphis, TN

1d

About The Position

The Tracking the Immune Repertoire of Tumor Lymphocytes (TIRTL) Bluesky program in the Host–Microbe Interactions Department at St. Jude supports multiple institutional research and clinical programs focused on immune repertoire profiling. Building on the foundational TIRTL seq (Pogorelyy and Kirk et al., Nature Methods 2025) method, we provide cohort scale T cell and B cell receptor (TCR and BCR) sequencing, enabling research in cancer immunology, infectious disease, and antibody discovery across the institution. We are seeking an Associate Scientist to play a key role in high-throughput immune repertoire sequencing and antibody discovery across cancer and infectious disease programs. In this position, you will perform TCR/BCR repertoire sequencing, identify tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and, isolate and culture B cells after antigen exposure. Job description.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area
• 7 + years of research experience is required
• 5 + years of research experience is required with a Master’s degree
• 2 + years of research experience is required with a PHD

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience in cell and molecular biology and immunology.
• Experience with NGS library preparation and high-throughput sequencing workflows.
• Familiarity with BCR/TCR biology or immune repertoire concepts.
• Experience with flow cytometry and immune phenotyping.
• Experience using automated liquid handlers.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to work in a team environment.
• Experience leading and supporting research experiments preferred
• Some experience leading lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred
• Experience in guiding and training other laboratory personnel preferred
• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role

Responsibilities

• Perform TCR/BCR immune repertoire sequencing by following established protocols.
• Assist in developing new lab techniques as needed.
• Isolate, culture, and manipulate primary immune cells (T cells, B cells, TILs).
• Perform cell and molecular biology assays including flow cytometry, PCR/qPCR, ELISA.
• Operate and maintain automated liquid handling systems for high-throughput workflows.
• Maintain laboratory readiness, including managing inventory, and routine lab upkeep.
• Document experiments, maintain SOPs, and ensure sample traceability and data quality.
• Collaborate with computational and clinical teams to support immune profiling projects.
• Assist in drafting sections of research manuscripts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees