The laboratory of Dr. Paul Geeleher (appointments in the Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Graduate School of Biomedical Science, and the Department of Computational Biology) is seeking a wet-lab Researcher or Senior Researcher to support work on mechanistic dissection of hits from high throughput drug and CRISPR screens, the development of new drug combinations, and mechanistic dissection of drug resistance mechanisms in neuroblastoma.

Job Description:

Dr. Geeleher’s laboratory tightly integrates wet-bench and computational approaches, aimed at improving outcomes in pediatric cancers, especially neuroblastoma. Our group has spearheaded publications in e.g. Nature, Genome Biology, Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI), and Nature Communications, and is funded by the NIH (R01, R00, R35 awards). We are also closely integrated into the Pediatric Cancer Dependency Map (PedDep), a large multi-institutional collaboration between St. Jude, Dana Farber and the Broad Institute, aimed at discovering new therapeutic targets and drug repurposing opportunities in pediatrics – discoveries that require substantial subsequent work up in the wet-lab.

Examples of recent papers led by wet-lab scientists in our lab (as first author) include:

• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-26640-x
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43134-0
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57185-y

This position is located in Memphis, TN (100% on site position), and relocation assistance is available.

Job Responsibilities:

• The qualified candidate will be responsible for supporting complex research projects and contributing to resulting publications.
• The qualified candidate should be comfortable performing standard cell and molecular biology assays, with guidance as needed from senior lab members, and should be able to learn and implement new assays as needed given the research direction.
• The qualified candidate should be able to support a research project and contribute to drafting a manuscript.
• The qualified candidate should work collaboratively with senior scientists and other lab members.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in order to meet the goals and objectives of the department and the institution.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Prior hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as cell culture, PCR, qPCR/RT-qPCR, DNA and RNA isolation, molecular cloning, transfection and lentiviral transduction, and Western blotting.
• Experience with every listed technique is not expected, and training will be provided.
• An ability to quickly learn and implement new/advanced assays based on research direction is required.
• Ability to carefully execute experiments in support of a complex research project is required.
• Experience with preclinical models is desirable.
• Experience in pediatric cancer, especially neuroblastoma, is desirable but not required
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word software.
• Good written and spoken English and presentation / communication skills.
• A strong interest in experimental cancer biology and dedication to scientific rigor is essential.

Minimum Qualifications:

Researcher

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.
• No experience required.

Salary range: $24.00/hr. - $42.00/hr.

Senior Researcher

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.
• Two (2) years of research experience is required with a bachelor's degree.
• No prior experience is required with a Master's degree.
• Working knowledge and understanding of underlying concepts and principles of experimental design.
• Experience with the most widely used techniques used in the home laboratory.
• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role.

Salary range: $26.00/hr. - $45.50/hr.

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $26.00 - $45.50 per hour for the role of Researcher or Senior Researcher - Geeleher Lab (Wet Lab).

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