Postdoctoral Research Associate - Cell & Molecular Biology

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

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Opferman Laboratory at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Fellow to investigate how mitochondrial biology and the BCL-2 family protein MCL-1 govern normal hematopoiesis, stem cell maintenance, lineage commitment, and cellular stress responses. The research will also explore how these pathways become dysregulated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other hematologic malignancies. The laboratory integrates molecular and cellular biology, mouse genetics, biochemistry, cancer biology, metabolism, epigenetics, genomics, proteomics, and advanced imaging to address fundamental questions in stem cell and cancer biology. Current projects focus on the non-apoptotic functions of MCL-1, mitochondrial metabolism and quality control, mechanisms regulating hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, and the metabolic and epigenetic pathways that drive leukemic stem cell maintenance and therapeutic resistance. The overarching goal is to define fundamental biological mechanisms that can be leveraged to develop more effective therapies for hematologic diseases. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a world-class research institution dedicated to pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases of childhood, and is the first and only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Our 300 faculty work across the spectrum of basic, translational, clinical, and population science in a highly collaborative multidisciplinary environment.

Requirements

• Highly motivated and creative individual.
• PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant scientific field.
• Strong background in cell and molecular biology.
• Experience with techniques such as mouse genetics, biochemistry, cancer biology, metabolism, epigenetics, genomics, proteomics, or advanced imaging is beneficial.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in hematopoiesis, stem cell biology, or cancer biology.
• Familiarity with mitochondrial biology and the BCL-2 family protein MCL-1.

Responsibilities

• Investigate how mitochondrial biology and the BCL-2 family protein MCL-1 govern normal hematopoiesis, stem cell maintenance, lineage commitment, and cellular stress responses.
• Explore how these pathways become dysregulated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other hematologic malignancies.
• Conduct research integrating molecular and cellular biology, mouse genetics, biochemistry, cancer biology, metabolism, epigenetics, genomics, proteomics, and advanced imaging.
• Explore non-apoptotic functions of MCL-1.
• Study mitochondrial metabolism and quality control.
• Investigate mechanisms regulating hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation.
• Examine metabolic and epigenetic pathways that drive leukemic stem cell maintenance and therapeutic resistance.

Benefits

• Access to shared resources and facilities led by expert scientists.
• Access to cutting-edge technology.
• Customized professional and career growth programs.
• Grant writing workshops.
• Individual development plans.
• Teaching and mentoring opportunities.
• Non-research career advancement programs.
• Professional development allowance.
• Competitive salary starting at $72,500 a year.
• Comprehensive benefits.
• Generous relocation assistance.
• Vibrant postdoc community that supports a well-balanced life.

What This Job Offers

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