Postdoctoral Research Associate - Yang Laboratory in the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Center for Pharmacogenomics

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

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About The Position

The Yang Laboratory in the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Center for Pharmacogenomics at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital seeks a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the genetic and molecular basis of variability in treatment response in childhood cancer. The position combines multi-omics and computational analyses with experimental functional validation to advance precision medicine, particularly for targeted agents and immunotherapeutics.

The successful candidate will be an experienced bench scientist with a strong background in experimental biology and/or molecular pharmacology. They will lead an independent subproject and collaborate closely with clinicians, statistical geneticists, and computational biologists. The fellow is expected to publish high-quality peer-reviewed research and pursue appropriate postdoctoral fellowships and other external funding opportunities.

The laboratory studies genetic determinants of drug efficacy and toxicity and translates discoveries into precision pharmacotherapy. Current research includes investigating genetic and multi-omic mechanisms of anticancer drug efficacy and treatment-related toxicity; using clinical-trial samples and single-cell approaches to study targeted-therapy response and immunotherapy resistance in childhood leukemia; conducting high-throughput functional-genomics studies of gene-drug interactions; and using chemical biology approaches, including molecular glues and proteolysis-targeting chimeras, to develop therapies for high-risk leukemias.

St. Jude provides postdoctoral trainees access to shared research resources and facilities, professional and career development programs, a professional-development allowance, a postdoctoral community, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and relocation assistance. Applicants should submit a cover letter describing research interests, technical background, career goals, and anticipated availability; a CV with a complete publication list; a one- to two-page statement of research experience and interests; and contact information for three professional references. Reference letters may be requested from shortlisted candidates.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, genetics, molecular biology, or a related biomedical field, completed before the start date; candidates with a PharmD or MD and substantial research experience will also be considered.
• Strong record of research productivity demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
• Knowledge and research experience in at least one of pharmacology, human genetics, functional genomics, genome editing, or animal models.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Experienced bench scientist with a strong background in experimental biology and/or molecular pharmacology.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with large-scale functional-genomics studies, including in vitro or in vivo CRISPR screening.
• Experience with high-throughput drug-sensitivity profiling or preclinical drug evaluation.
• Research experience in cancer biology, cancer therapy, or treatment-related toxicity.

Responsibilities

• Lead an independent research subproject investigating treatment-response variability in childhood cancer.
• Collaborate closely with clinicians, statistical geneticists, and computational biologists.
• Conduct experimental functional validation alongside multi-omics and computational analyses.
• Publish high-quality peer-reviewed research.
• Pursue appropriate postdoctoral fellowships and other external funding opportunities.
• Potential research activities include studying genetic and multi-omic mechanisms of anticancer drug efficacy and treatment-related toxicity; analyzing clinical-trial samples and applying single-cell approaches to study therapy response and resistance; conducting functional-genomics studies of gene-drug interactions; and applying chemical biology to develop novel therapeutics for high-risk leukemias.

Benefits

• Access to shared resources and facilities led by expert scientists, coupled with cutting-edge technology.
• Professional and career growth programs, including grant-writing workshops, individual development plans, teaching and mentoring opportunities, non-research career advancement programs, and a professional-development allowance.
• Competitive salary starting at $72,500 per year.
• Comprehensive benefits.
• Relocation assistance.
• A supportive postdoctoral community promoting connections and camaraderie.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree