Postdoctoral Research Associate - Moreno Lab

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

74d • Onsite

About The Position

A Postdoctoral Research Associate is available in the Moreno lab, led by Dr. Salvador Almagro-Moreno in the Department of Host-Microbe Interactions at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The lab studies the emergence and evolution of bacterial pathogens, including the molecular strategies they use for host colonization, virulence regulation, and dispersal. Research focuses on pathogenic Vibrionaceae, especially Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus, to understand pathogen traits, outbreak sources, and potential targets for preventing colonization or limiting spread.

The project investigates how microbial toxins and protein complexes are organized in their native cellular environments. Using molecular microbiology, proteomics, and structural biology, the postdoctoral fellow will study macromolecular organization in free-living and pathogenic Vibrio species. The work combines molecular microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, and structural biology and is intended to advance fundamental knowledge and translational discovery.

The fellow will lead research projects, design and conduct experiments, analyze large-scale proteomic data, and interpret results. The role offers collaboration with microbiologists, structural biologists, computational modelers, and chemical biologists within St. Jude and at external institutions. The lab describes its environment as intellectually stimulating and inclusive, and its research as aligned with the global One Health strategy.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in molecular biology, microbiology, or structural biology.
• Extensive experience with bacteriology and advanced molecular microbiology techniques.
• Ability to design and execute experiments independently and critically analyze data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to scientific rigor, integrity, and teamwork in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Demonstrated scientific productivity, critical thinking, and collaborative research.
• Strong publication record, communication and organizational skills, multitasking ability, and willingness to work in a team and train junior scientists.

Nice To Haves

• Foundation in mass spectrometry-based proteomics or chemical probe development.
• Experience with protein complex analysis, crosslinking chemistry, or integrative modeling.
• Experience in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, crosslinking chemistry, or structural methods such as cryo-EM or integrative modeling.
• Familiarity with computational tools for protein structure analysis, molecular modeling, or large-scale data interpretation.
• Prior exposure to cell biology or in situ biochemical methods.
• Ability to mentor junior researchers and contribute to collaborative, multi-lab projects.
• Enthusiasm for learning new experimental and computational approaches to explore macromolecular assemblies in their native context.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects on the molecular and ecological drivers of pathogen emergence.
• Design and execute experiments at the interface of molecular microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, and structural biology.
• Analyze large-scale proteomic data and interpret results.
• Contribute to the development of novel projects and proposals.
• Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and collaborative discussions.
• Work collaboratively with scientists across disciplines and institutions.
• Train or mentor junior scientists.

Benefits

• Access to shared resources and facilities led by expert scientists, with cutting-edge technology.
• Professional and career development programs, including grant writing workshops, individual development plans, teaching and mentoring opportunities, and non-research career advancement programs.
• Professional development allowance.
• Competitive salary starting at $72,500 a year.
• Comprehensive benefits.
• Generous relocation assistance.
• Postdoctoral community and a dynamic environment that supports connections and camaraderie.

What This Job Offers

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