Lead Scientist- Vakoc Lab
About The Position
At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we believe in what’s possible when exceptional scientific minds face fewer barriers. That’s why we provide world-class facilities, state-of-the-art technologies, and a highly collaborative, bench-to-bedside environment. Here, your discoveries don’t stay in the lab—they directly impact the lives of children around the world. The Department of Oncology is seeking a highly independent and driven Lead Scientist to join the lab of Dr. Chris Vakoc. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate researcher eager to advance innovative therapies for childhood cancer. The Vakoc lab focuses on understanding how transcription factors and chromatin regulators control gene expression and sustain cancer cell states. The team uses cutting-edge approaches—including genetic screens, genomics, and biochemical methods—to uncover cancer-specific dependencies and translate these findings into novel therapeutic strategies.
Requirements
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field required
- Minimum Experience: Twelve (12) years of relevant work experience is required
- Ten (10) years of relevant experience is required with a Master's degree
- Seven (7) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD
Nice To Haves
- Research in the Vakoc lab includes: Mapping genetic dependencies in aggressive and incurable cancers
- Investigating lineage plasticity mechanisms across cancer types
- Using CRISPR-based screening platforms to identify critical protein domains in cancer growth
- Advancing discoveries into druggable targets using high-resolution biochemical and functional assays
- Evaluating therapeutic potential through advanced in vivo genetic models
- Developing therapies that reprogram cancer cells into terminally differentiated states
Responsibilities
- Lead and execute research strategies in collaboration with the Principal Investigator
- Design and develop innovative experimental approaches and protocols
- Analyze and interpret complex datasets; generate hypotheses and drive scientific insights
- Ensure high standards of data integrity, quality, and reproducibility
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals (first-author expected) and contribute to the peer review process
- Present research internally and externally to multidisciplinary audiences
- Support laboratory operations, including equipment management, troubleshooting, and process improvements
- Mentor and guide junior scientists and research staff
- Promote a safe, collaborative, and high-performing lab environment
Benefits
- Collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on saving children’s lives
- Unparalleled access to resources, technologies, and scientific expertise
- Opportunity to see your work directly impact patient outcomes
- Commitment to innovation, discovery, and professional growth
- Explore our exceptional benefits !
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
