Associate Scientist or Scientist - Yen Lab/Therapeutic Genome Engineering (TGEn Group)

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

56d•$86,320 - $154,960

About The Position

The Scientist performs and/or coordinates a wide range of laboratory research procedures and conducts a spectrum of complex support tasks and projects determined by the field and scope of the particular research study. Also, performs a variety of laboratory techniques independently and presents results. The Associate Scientist performs a variety of moderately complex research tasks determined by the field and scope of the particular research project/study. Also, performs tasks related to the research project independently, but within broad guidelines and subject to periodic review by supervisor or other research staff. At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, talented faculty and staff work together and with colleagues worldwide to advance the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases. We are seeking an outstanding, highly motivated, and creative Scientist to join Dr. Jonathan Yen's lab and the Therapeutic Genome Engineering (TGEn) group. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and clinical researchers helping to advance genome editing strategies for treating sickle cell disease to a Phase 1 clinical trial. Our ongoing therapeutic pipeline is fueled by internal scientific discoveries directed from “bench-to-bedside” and academic collaborations. Come join TGEn to enGENEer concepts to cures! You will have the opportunity to work with a talented interdisciplinary team of scientists to develop a cellular therapy with the goal of treating patients here at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and worldwide. The ideal candidate will have a strong combination of experience with genome editing and human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). You will also have the opportunity to learn about and support new, exciting projects, including the development and optimization of pre-clinical genome editing strategies to treat hemoglobinopathies and other hematological diseases, process development, and IND-enabling studies (Pharm/Tox).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area is required.
Associate Scientist Minimum Experience: 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
Scientist Minimum Experience: Eight (8) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Bachelor's degree.
Six (6) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Master's degree.
Three (3) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a PhD.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant scientific area is highly preferred.
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 studies to develop genome editing strategies for human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC).
Design and execute IND-enabling experiments to characterize the pharmacology of a genome-edited human hematopoietic stem cell product to treat sickle cell disease.
Characterize the efficacy, safety, and potency of the HSC cellular drug product in in vitro and xenotransplantation assays.
Multicolor flow cytometry and FACS to sort hematopoietic populations of relevance.
Develop experimental methods including RT-PCR, ddPCR, next-generation sequencing, and single-cell sequencing.
Perform NGS library preparation and analysis of editing outcomes, on-target and off-target.
Evaluate scale-up and close-system processes to ensure reproducibility of the drug product.
Conduct exploratory research on developing novel in-vitro and in-vivo delivery strategies.
Interact and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance the program.
Establish tracking and trending analyses of process development and pilot runs.
Draft documentation (protocols, batch records, reports) to standardize and transfer process to GMP facility.
Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the goals of the department and institution.