Associate Scientist - Targeted Protein Degradation and Fetal Hemoglobin Induction

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

About The Position

The Associate Scientist performs moderately complex research tasks within the scope of a research project, working independently within broad guidelines and subject to periodic review. The laboratory of Dr. Mitchell Weiss at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is seeking an Associate Scientist for a multidisciplinary program developing therapeutic strategies for sickle cell disease through targeted protein degradation (TPD). The project builds on CRBN-based molecular glues that induce fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and seeks additional erythroid-specific E3 ubiquitin ligases. The research aims to develop PROTACs and molecular glue degraders that selectively eliminate negative regulators of HbF expression. The successful candidate will discover, characterize, and help evaluate targeted degraders in immortalized erythroid cell lines, primary human erythroblasts, and sickle cell disease mouse models, with the long-term goal of advancing candidates toward clinical development. The position spans erythroid biology, chemical biology, protein degradation, and translational therapeutics. The Associate Scientist will collaborate with Senior Scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and teams in medicinal chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and structural biology. The role requires a relevant bachelor’s degree and research experience: at least 7 years generally, 5 years with a master’s degree, or 2 years with a PhD. A PhD in a relevant field is preferred. The posting gives a reasonable estimated salary range of $65,520–$114,400 per year. St. Jude describes the research setting as highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating, with opportunities to contribute to therapeutic discovery and gain expertise in emerging protein degradation technologies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area.
At least 7 years of research experience; at least 5 years with a master’s degree; or at least 2 years with a PhD.
Strong experimental background in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, biochemistry, or cellular assays.
Demonstrated ability to independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and analyze experiments.
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and scientific problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.

Nice To Haves

PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology, or a related field.
Experience with immunoblotting, flow cytometry, gene expression analysis, and protein characterization.
Experience with high-throughput experimentation.
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.
Experience in erythroid biology, hemoglobin regulation, hematopoiesis, or sickle cell disease research.
Familiarity with targeted protein degradation technologies, including PROTACs, molecular glues, E3 ubiquitin ligases, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system.
Experience with primary human erythroid or hematopoietic cell cultures.
Experience with preclinical mouse models or translational drug discovery research.
Prior experience in erythroid biology or targeted protein degradation; this is a plus but is not essential.
Scientific curiosity, good communication skills, team spirit, and willingness to learn new techniques.
Proven performance in an earlier or comparable role.

Responsibilities

Independently design, perform, optimize, and troubleshoot experiments evaluating targeted protein degradation strategies for HbF induction.
Characterize the activity, selectivity, and mechanisms of action of PROTACs and molecular glue degraders targeting negative regulators of HbF expression.
Evaluate candidate compounds in immortalized erythroid cell lines and primary human erythroblast cultures using molecular, cellular, and biochemical assays.
Investigate target protein degradation, HbF induction, erythroid differentiation, and related cellular responses.
Contribute to preclinical evaluation of promising compounds in sickle cell disease mouse models.
Develop and optimize laboratory techniques and experimental protocols.
Collect, process, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data, and communicate findings to the research team.
Collaborate with medicinal chemists, cell and molecular biologists, biochemists, and structural biologists on compound development and mechanistic characterization.
Assist in preparing scientific manuscripts, posters, presentations, standard operating procedures, and research reports.
Maintain current knowledge of relevant scientific advances, methodologies, and technologies.
Provide guidance and technical training to less-experienced laboratory personnel and collaborators as appropriate.
Support laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance and calibration, inventory management, and ordering supplies.
Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and institutional research objectives.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.