Lead Scientist in Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Lead Scientist in Cryo-Electron Tomography (Cryo-ET) to advance in situ structural biology methods and workflows at the Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology (CoE-SCB). The successful candidate will lead the development of cutting-edge cryo-ET data collection strategies, work closely with the sample preparation team, and contribute to the long-term technical vision for our high-throughput cryo-ET platform. This role includes supervisory responsibilities for a small team and offers opportunities for scientific leadership, innovation, and internal collaborations.

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Initiate and execute research strategies in alignment with the mission and scientific vision of the CoE-SCB
• Supervise and mentor a small team of staff scientists supporting cryo-ET projects.
• Develop, optimize, and standardize cryo-ET data collection methods on 200 and 300 kV microscopes using software such as SerialEM and Tomography 5.
• Collaborate closely with the Sample Preparation Lead to ensure alignment between cryo-FIB lamellae preparation strategies and cryo-ET data acquisition requirements.
• Evaluate and implement various grid types and substrates, including graphene oxide, silicon nitride, ultrathin carbon, and streptavidin-coated grids, to support specific project needs
• Participate in cryo-correlative and cryo-FIB-SEM workflows, as required.
• Identify technical bottlenecks and lead efforts to improve throughput, data quality and reproducibility.
• Contribute to cross-functional teams, including software developers, hardware engineers, and industry partners, to inform the development and integration of next-generation tools and technologies.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.

Minimum Experience.

• Twelve (12) years of relevant work experience is required with a Bachelor's degree.
• Ten (10) years of relevant experience is required with a Master's degree.
• Seven (7) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD.

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 $125,840 - $238,160 per year for the role of Lead Scientist in Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology.

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