Associate Scientist or Scientist in Translational Studies in Schizophrenia Models

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

54d•$86,320 - $154,960•Onsite

About The Position

An Associate Scientist or Scientist position is available for an individual transitioning from a postdoctoral role to a staff scientist position. The successful candidate will lead an independent research program developing translational strategies to restore normal function in impaired neuronal circuits, using mouse models of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and 3q29 deletion syndrome, rare neurodevelopmental disorders associated with high genetic risks for schizophrenia. The position is in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The laboratory is a collaborative team of 15 researchers investigating mechanisms of schizophrenia and psychotic behavior at the levels of neural circuits, neurons, synapses, and molecules. Departmental resources include support for rodent behavior testing, genetically engineered animal models, 3-dimensional human brain organoids, in vivo and ex vivo imaging, image processing and analysis, single-cell profiling, and bioinformatics. Institutional shared resources and core facilities also provide expertise and technologies. The role requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area. Experience requirements vary by level and education: for Associate Scientist, seven or more years of research experience, five or more years with a master's degree, or two or more years with a Ph.D.; for Scientist, eight or more years of relevant work experience, six or more years with a master's degree, or three or more years with a Ph.D. A Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field is preferred. The position is full-time, weekday day shift, with 40 scheduled weekly hours. Salary ranges are listed separately for Associate Scientist and Scientist; the posting also gives an overall estimated range for the role.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area.
Associate Scientist: at least 7 years of research experience; at least 5 years with a master's degree; or at least 2 years with a Ph.D.
Scientist: at least 8 years of relevant work experience; at least 6 years with a master's degree; or at least 3 years with a Ph.D.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field.
Strong background in molecular biology, ASO biochemistry, delivery, and validation assays, or 2-photon imaging of head-fixed animals and in vivo stereotaxic-guided injections of viruses.
Strong communication skills.
Experience leading and supporting research experiments.
Some experience leading laboratory and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities.
Experience guiding and training other laboratory personnel.
Proven performance in an earlier or comparable role.

Responsibilities

Coordinate multiple aspects of research projects and conduct laboratory experiments using various techniques; determine when additional or alternative tools or methods are needed.
Provide input on research protocols and experiments, set up protocols, and assist in developing new laboratory techniques as required.
Identify experimental data relevant to analysis; process, organize, and summarize data; report results as required; and monitor the quality and integrity of recorded information and data.
May draft sections of research manuscripts.
Support basic laboratory operations, including maintaining and calibrating equipment, purchasing, monitoring inventory, ordering supplies, and troubleshooting instruments and equipment.
Instruct other staff in basic laboratory techniques and procedures.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet department and institutional goals.
Lead an independent research program developing translational strategies to restore normal function in impaired neuronal circuits using mouse models of 22q11.2 and 3q29 deletion syndromes.