Associate Scientist - Single Cell Genomics Core / Neurocytometry Core
About The Position
The Associate Scientist will support both the Single Cell Genomics Core and the Neurocytometry Core within St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's Department of Developmental Neurobiology. These cores provide researchers studying the developing and diseased nervous system access to single-cell genomic and flow cytometric technologies optimized for neural tissue. The role supports research in developmental neurobiology, cancer, and translational programs across the institution. The position combines hands-on single-cell sample processing and sequencing workflows with flow cytometry and cell sorting. The Associate Scientist will isolate cells or nuclei, prepare samples and libraries, operate and troubleshoot single-cell sequencing platforms such as 10x Genomics Chromium, and perform flow cytometer setup, calibration, acquisition, and quality control. The role also includes developing and optimizing tissue dissociation protocols and multicolor cytometry panels, coordinating core services, and training users. The Associate Scientist works closely with core leadership and investigators across the department.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area.
- At least 7 years of research experience with a bachelor’s degree; at least 5 years with a master’s degree; or at least 2 years with a Ph.D.
- Strong background in developmental biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, stem cell biology, or a closely related field.
- Competence in designing, executing, and troubleshooting independent experiments using existing or newly developed protocols.
- Hands-on experience with flow cytometry and cell-sorting instruments, including setup, calibration, and troubleshooting.
- Proficient knowledge of molecular biology and experience designing and analyzing multicolor or high-parameter flow cytometry panels.
- Experience with flow-data analysis platforms such as FlowJo, DIVA, or OMIQ, and Microsoft Office products.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
- Interest in learning new technologies.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with single-cell genomic workflows, such as 10x Genomics Chromium and single-cell RNA-seq library preparation.
- Familiarity with neural tissue dissociation and analysis of neuronal, glial, and other cell populations in the brain and spinal cord.
- Experience leading and supporting research experiments.
- 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
- Independently perform experiments using existing, modified, or newly developed techniques and protocols.
- Accurately record experimental procedures and data.
- Prepare and report results and data that may contribute to posters, presentations, or publications.
- Set up protocols using new or modified laboratory techniques and troubleshoot experiments independently.
- Identify experimental data relevant to an analysis problem; process, organize, summarize, and report results.
- Process single-cell samples, including neural tissue and cell dissociation, viability assessment, and loading samples onto single-cell sequencing platforms such as 10x Genomics Chromium.
- Coordinate sample intake, quality control, and sequencing run scheduling for the Single Cell Genomics Core, and communicate results and troubleshooting steps to investigators.
- Establish, modify, and implement SOPs for routine maintenance and performance evaluation of flow cytometers and associated instruments.
- Perform instrument setup, sample acquisition, calibration, alignment, and troubleshooting; oversee instrument repair and coordinate service.
- Train technicians, students, and investigators in cytometry concepts, instrument startup and shutdown, routine maintenance, sample acquisition, and basic data analysis.
- Collaborate with investigators to develop, evaluate, and optimize multicolor and high-parameter flow cytometry assays.
- Perform regular cell-sorting services and support users in developing technically sound, biologically relevant cytometry approaches.
- Support monitoring, maintenance, ordering, and purchasing of equipment and supplies as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned to meet department and institutional goals and objectives.
- Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
