Postdoctoral Research Associate – Gibson (Cell & Molecular Biology) and Skiniotis (Structural Biology) Laboratories

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

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Gibson and Skiniotis research groups invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead a joint effort to uncover fundamental mechanisms of higher-order genome organization. This position is co-mentored, with the fellow holding a home in both laboratories and full membership in both groups, including joint lab meetings, shared project planning, and co-authored publications. The Gibson laboratory studies how phase transitions guide higher-order genome structure and impact human disease, combining chromatin biochemistry, quantitative condensate biophysics, cellular engineering, genomics, and advanced microscopy. The Skiniotis laboratory is internationally recognized for cryo-EM studies of macromolecular signaling complexes, and Dr. Skiniotis serves as founding director of the St. Jude Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology (COE-SCB), which advances multiscale imaging technologies for cells and tissues. The Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology (COE-SCB) was established to move structural biology beyond the test tube and visualize macromolecular machines directly within their native cellular context. Working within the Center and the St. Jude Cryo-Electron Microscopy and Tomography Center, the fellow will have access to multiple high-end transmission electron microscopes, a complete cryo-ET workflow for in situ structural biology, full sample preparation infrastructure, dedicated GPU workstations and clusters with institutional data infrastructure for high-throughput image processing, and embedded staff scientists who provide consultation, hands-on training, and mentorship in every step of the workflow, with instrument access and expenses covered institutionally so that science, not cost, sets the pace.

Requirements

• PhD (or MD/PhD) in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, cell biology, or a related field, completed or expected at the time of appointment
• A record of research productivity, including first-author publication(s) or preprint(s)
• Hands-on experience in at least one of the following: cryo-EM/cryo-ET, chromatin or nucleic acid–protein biochemistry, or quantitative biophysics of macromolecular assemblies
• A passion for rigorous, mechanism-driven science and a thoughtful, collaborative mindset
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience with nucleosome or chromatin reconstitution
• Experience with cryo-EM/cryo-ET data processing (e.g., RELION, cryoSPARC, IMOD, Warp/M)
• Familiarity with scripting or programming for image analysis (Python, MATLAB, or similar)

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to reconstitute and characterize condensed chromatin assemblies in vitro
• Prepare cryo-EM and cryo-ET specimens of chromatin assemblies and cells, including cryo-FIB milling for in situ tomography
• Collect, process, and interpret single-particle cryo-EM and cryo-ET/subtomogram averaging datasets
• Integrate structural findings with biochemical, biophysical, and cellular data to build mechanistic models of genome organization
• Present research at national and international meetings and prepare high-impact publications
• Contribute to the collaborative scientific life of both laboratories and mentor junior trainees

Benefits

• Competitive salary exceeding the NIH scale, starting at $72,529 and increasing with experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance at $0 premium for individual coverage
• 401(b) retirement plan with a 7% institutional contribution
• $2,500 annual professional development allowance for meetings, training, and society memberships
• Relocation assistance ($8,000 for moves over 100 miles)
• Individualized career development through the SMaRT (Strategic Milestones and Research Training) Plan, the CAP career advancement fellowship, teaching opportunities at partner institutions, and dedicated career advising
• On-campus childcare access (Bright Horizons)
• Free state-of-the-art fitness center
• Generous paid time off
• A provided laptop
• A vibrant, well-organized postdoc community with social programming, seminars, and institutional fellowships

What This Job Offers

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