Lead Researcher at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tampa, Florida

Job Description:

We are looking for experienced biochemists to aid in structural studies of protein kinases. The biochemists will join an inter-disciplinary Blue Sky initiative on "Seeing the Invisible in Protein Kinases", which is supported by US$35M in institutional funding by the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The project will extend the ultra-high field NMR spectroscopy and biochemistry approaches developed recently by the Kalodimos lab (Science 2020, 370, eabc2754) to study the human kinome. This is a large-scale project that aims to detect and structurally characterize the distinct conformational states populated by kinases, and to dissect the mechanisms of allosteric regulation and those underpinning oncogenic and drug-resistance mutations. We expect this initiative to have a profound impact on the field, transforming our understanding of protein kinases.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital offers a remarkable opportunity to perform cutting edge research with outstanding institutional support and exceptional shared core facilities in an environment of open collaboration, educational advancement and training opportunities. St. Jude is consistently ranked on Fortune Magazine's and Glassdoor's "100 Best Places to Work" for companies with 1,000 or more employees. We are located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, a vibrant and friendly city at the historic American crossroads of music, trade, food, and culture. Mild winters and beautiful green outdoor spaces are part of the reasons why Forbes recently named Memphis the 4th happiest city in which to work. Cost of living and high quality of life are other attractions; Money magazine listed Memphis as one of the least expensive cities in which to raise a child. St. Jude facilities and salaries are highly competitive.

• Performs tasks related to the research project independently, but within specific guidelines and subject to regular review by supervisor or other research staff.


• Perform basic molecular biology techniques like PCR, vector construction, plasmid purification and sequencing analysis.


• Responsible for expression, purification, modification, and characterization of recombinant proteins from a variety of host cells.


• Design and implement purification schemes and protein analytics, present results, and interpretation.


• Lead troubleshooting efforts for protein expression and purification processes.


• Work effectively in a collaborative team environment where results are achieved through influence, cooperation, and the incorporation of multiple points of view

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required

• Five (5) years of relevant, post-degree work experience is required


• Two (2) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Master's degree


• No experience is required with a PHD


• Proven expertise in advanced molecular cloning techniques.


• Experience generating chimeric recombinant sequences, site-directed mutagenesis, random mutagenesis, codon optimization, and/or gene synthesis is highly desired.


• Strong background in protein biochemistry, protein purification (using affinity and traditional chromatographic techniques), and biophysical characterization.


• Hands-on experience with instrumentation essential for protein purification and characterization, especially BioRad/AKTA FPLC, SDS PAGE and Western Blot.


• Work in an independent manner to perform protein analysis including (but not limited to) CE SDS, ITC, SPR, U/HPLC, DSF, and cell based functional assays.


• Excellent oral, presentation and written communication skills required.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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