Scientist / Sr. Scientist —Cell, Molecular & Chemical Biology (Taosheng Chen Lab)

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

52d•$86,320 - $186,160•Onsite

About The Position

The Taosheng Chen Lab in the Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital seeks a Scientist or Senior Scientist with expertise in cell biology, molecular biology, and/or chemical biology. The role leads research to develop and characterize the mechanisms of action of novel chemical probes—including agonists, antagonists, and degraders—targeting the nuclear receptors PXR and CAR. The successful candidate independently designs and executes studies, generates high-quality datasets to test scientific hypotheses, and integrates results across disciplines. They collaborate closely with structural biologists and medicinal chemists, and lead the organization and writing of multidisciplinary manuscripts. The laboratory investigates chemical regulation of nuclear receptors to elucidate nuclear receptor-driven transcriptional networks and develop therapeutic strategies addressing drug resistance and tumorigenesis. Its work uses integrated cellular, molecular, and chemical biology approaches aligned with structural biology and medicinal chemistry. The selected candidate will advance multidisciplinary research on PXR and CAR. Projects include developing and characterizing chemical probes; investigating small-molecule and protein-degrader mechanisms, including PROTAC-based approaches; determining how PXR and CAR modulation affects transcriptional networks, drug metabolism, chemotherapy response, and tumorigenesis; collaborating on studies of ligand–protein interactions and structure-based discovery; and integrating findings into manuscripts, publications, and future grant-supported research initiatives. The position conducts experiments independently under the overall direction of the PI and/or a more senior scientist, develops research protocols and techniques, analyzes and reports experimental data, contributes to manuscripts and presentations, supports laboratory operations, and trains and oversees others in laboratory techniques. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, weekday day shift, in Memphis, Tennessee. A reasonable estimated salary range is $86,320–$154,960 per year at the Scientist level or $104,000–$186,160 per year at the Senior Scientist level. Appointment level depends on experience, scientific independence, technical expertise, and leadership achievements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area is required.
Senior Scientist: 10 years of relevant work experience; 8 years with a master’s degree; or 5 years with a PhD.
Scientist: 8 years of relevant work experience; 6 years with a master’s degree; or 3 years with a PhD.
Strong track record of high-quality research and peer-reviewed publications.
Strong cell and molecular biology expertise with exposure to chemical biology.
Experience evaluating small-molecule mechanisms of action.
Relevant experience in several areas, including DNA cloning, plasmid construction, and related molecular biology techniques; RNA isolation, gene-expression analysis, and transcriptional profiling; protein techniques such as Western blotting, protein–compound or protein–protein interaction studies, or proteomic profiling; or evaluating cellular activity, mechanism of action, or pharmacology of small molecules.
Basic understanding of protein crystal structures and ligand–protein interactions for collaboration with structural biologists.
Basic understanding of small-molecule structures and structure–activity relationships for collaboration with medicinal chemists.

Nice To Haves

A PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, chemical biology, pharmacology, or a related field, together with productive postdoctoral research experience, is strongly preferred.
Murine studies experience is a plus.
A demonstrated record of impactful publications, particularly in high-quality journals.
Academic and industry backgrounds will both be considered.

Responsibilities

Independently conduct experiments and projects under the overall direction of the PI and/or a more senior scientist.
Develop new research protocols, techniques, and procedures.
Identify relevant experimental data; process, organize, and summarize it; report results; monitor the quality and integrity of recorded information; ensure data collection and entry meet quality standards; and interpret data in relation to the research problem.
Develop and characterize chemical probes, including agonists, antagonists, and degraders, targeting nuclear receptors PXR and CAR.
Investigate mechanisms of action of small molecules and protein degraders, including PROTAC-based approaches.
Study how chemical modulation of PXR and CAR affects transcriptional networks, drug metabolism, chemotherapy response, and tumorigenesis.
Collaborate with structural biologists and medicinal chemists to generate complementary data and advance projects, including understanding ligand–protein interactions and supporting structure-based discovery.
Lead integration of multidisciplinary findings and organize and write research manuscripts; may publish as a co-author or draft manuscript sections as needed.
Present research to colleagues within the organization and at external meetings or events.
Support laboratory operations; make recommendations concerning equipment use and maintenance, supplies, and operational processes; troubleshoot instrument and equipment issues; and recommend equipment acquisition or decommissioning.
Regularly train and oversee others in laboratory techniques and procedures.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet department and institutional goals.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.