Researcher - Synthetic Biology - Kellogg Lab

Be at the forefront of the gene editing revolution and contribute to developing next generation therapies for children. Top-tier compensation and benefits, supportive and collaborative team environment with unique opportunities and exciting potential for career advancement.

The World's Brightest Minds Always Innovate

At St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, we know what can be achieved when the brightest scientific minds face the fewest barriers. That's why we provide world-class facilities. State-of-the-art technologies. Extraordinary support. And a collaborative, bench-to-bedside environment where you can see, firsthand, how your science translates into survival for the children we serve. Quite simply, at St. Jude, we encourage you to dream big and stop at nothing when it comes to finding cures and saving children.

The mission of the Kellogg lab is to use protein structure and design to create a better tomorrow. The Kellogg lab has a strong leadership position at forefront of understanding the biology of complex genome-editing systems (Science, 2023, Molecular Cell, 2023, Science, 2023, Nature, 2023, PNAS, 2022, Science, 2021, and more) and is well funded by the NIH, Pew Biomedical Foundation, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to develop bold, innovative approaches to engineer programmable transposons for clinical gene replacement therapy.

The Kellogg lab is a highly interdisciplinary scientific environment, routinely working with scientific centers that enjoy generous institutional support through St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: the Cryo-EM Center, the Protein Technology Center, the Single-Molecule Imaging Center, the Center for Advanced Genome Editing, and the Cell & Tissue Imaging Center. As a result of Dr. Kellogg's highly interdisciplinary training, the lab is a scientifically enriching environment at the intersection of cryo-electron microscopy, CRISPR biology, and computational protein design.

Job Description

We are looking for a fast learner with a positive 'can-do' attitude and strong communication skills. The ideal candidate has strong interest in developing their career in the exponentially growing areas of CRISPR genome-editing and/or computational protein design. We are looking for someone who demonstrates leadership qualities and a collaborative team-spirit. They will provide research support by working closely with leading Kellogg lab scientists, and in turn will be mentored in their own scientific development. Successful candidates will have experience performing standard molecular cloning procedures and have strong microbiology technique. Excellent organization and a collaborative attitude is required to document lab procedures, record experimental observations, present results, and coordinate materials for multiple experimentalists in the group. Experience in constructing large DNA libraries, modern cloning methods (i.e. golden gate assembly, gibson assembly, red recombineering), and preparing sequencing libraries for NGS is a plus. A large component of weekly responsibilities will be 1.) working with scientists in the lab to execute or optimize routine experiments 2.) work with the lab manager to keep lab operations smoothly running. In this position, the candidate will be exposed to multiple, cutting edge techniques spanning cryo-electron microscopy, computational protein design, machine learning, and advanced genomics in a world class research environment aimed at advancing cures for genetic disorders.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a supply of custom reagents under the supervision of senior scientists.
• Molecular cloning of single constructs and DNA libraries using modern assembly techniques.
• Routine genomics experiments including NGS library prep and DNA substrate purifications.
• Maintain and develop standard lab operation protocols and procedures.
• Large-scale RNA/DNA production using in vitro transcription and/or PCR.
• Possibilities for performing machine-learning techniques for protein design.

Opportunities for Professional Growth

• The candidate will learn how to analyze genome-editing outcomes using digital droplet PCR and NGS sequencing using the lab's dedicated Bio-Rad and Illumina Mi-Seq equipment.
• The candidate will be given opportunities to develop new skills, including machine learning, basic programming, and even Transmission Electron Microscope operation.
• The candidate will be given opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary scientific research and be mentored in developing leadership skills.
• The candidate will be given opportunities to participate in lab meetings and journal clubs alongside other scientists. The candidate will be mentored in public speaking and taught to critically evaluate scientific work.

St Jude Children's Research Hospital is consistently named as one of Fortune magazine's "Best Companies to Work for" and top 10 "Best Places to Work in Academia" by the Scientist Magazine. St Jude is located in Memphis, Tennessee, the 28th most populous city in America. Memphis is a historic city with an affordable cost of living along with world class dining and strong cultural tradition in music and theater. Memphis enjoys a mild, sunny climate year-round and has some of the largest outdoor green spaces of any big city.

St. Jude Employees receive:

• Competitive compensation packages commensurate with experience. Researchers are well compensated at industry-competitive rates.
• Excellent healthcare plans with zero to low health premium costs.
• Generous retirement benefits with contributions from St. Jude
• Onsite health clinic, pharmacy, and exercise facilities.
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
• Immigration Services
• Tuition Reimbursement

The Kellogg lab is committed to building a lab culture that is based on respect, diversity, and inclusion which contributes to a dynamic, innovative, and creative scientific environment that is fundamentally based on empathy and intellectual curiosity. The Kellogg lab is proud to be home to ambitious, curious, and fun-loving scientists of all nationalities and backgrounds.

Minimum Education and/or Training:.

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required

Minimum Experience:

• no experience required
• At least one year of relevant post-degree work experience is strongly preferred.

Desirable Skills:

• Strong candidates from a related field (microbiology, molecular biology, Synthetic Biology, protein engineering, or CRISPR) are encouraged to apply.

This Position May be Suitable For:

• Graduates with strong microbiology research experience looking for growth opportunities prior to applying for graduate school.
• Curious and enthusiastic life-long learners from related fields (biophysics, molecular biology, biochemistry) looking for their next big adventure.

To virtually meet Dr. Kellogg, check out The Plunge, a Cryo-EM Podcast she and two colleagues hosted. Dr. Kellogg was also recently featured on Cryo-Talk to talk about her life & work.

To be considered, please apply here: or email Elizabeth.Kellogg@stjude.org for further inquiries. Applications will be considered until position is filled.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world-regardless of race, religion or a family's ability to pay. Learn more about our history and commitment.

Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital's roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.

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