Principal Scientist, Structural Biology and Biophysics (Blue Sky Kinases)

We are looking for an accomplished and enthusiastic principal scientist to take a key leadership role in our Blue Sky Kinases project.

We are seeking a highly driven Principal Scientist with broad interest in structural biology and biophysics to oversee, organize, and coordinate the activities of multiple researchers in a dynamic, comprehensive, inter-disciplinary initiative at the Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The Blue Sky Initiative “Seeing the Invisible in Protein Kinases” is supported by US $50 million in institutional funding (more information in the St. Jude Strategic Plan 2022–2027). This large-scale project aims to leverage ultra-high field NMR, complemented with cryoEM, X-ray crystallography, data-science and computational approaches, to characterize the conformational landscape of the human kinome. We expect this initiative to have a profound impact on the field, transforming our understanding of protein kinases and creating new therapeutic opportunities.

We are looking for an accomplished and enthusiastic scientist to take a key leadership role in this project. This is a high-level staff position, and the Principal Scientist will:

• coordinate the activities of over 50 scientists across different teams who perform biochemistry, NMR, cryoEM, X-ray crystallography, and computational analyses of different kinases.
• organize and integrate the data generated by those teams.
• participate in hiring additional staff scientists, as necessary.
• be the contact point for PIs and team leaders for information on all ongoing projects.
• identify kinases of biological and medical interest as targets.
• prepare materials for reports, presentations and publications.
• take a lead on organizing internal scientific meetings.
• attend relevant international scientific meetings.
• interact with other teams within St. Jude to identify scientific opportunities relevant for this project.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a relevant subject; a background in structural biology or biophysics and a strong interest in molecular mechanisms are highly desirable. In addition, the ideal candidate should have a track record of exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities; outstanding communication skills; be able to absorb, synthesize and integrate different types of information; work independently; and thrive on a highly collaborative and fast-moving environment.

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 Children’s Research Hospital consistently earns a Glassdoor Employee Choice Award and is named to its “Best Place to Work” list. 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.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant scientific area is required

Minimum Experience:

• Fifteen (15) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Thirteen (13) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Master’s degree.
• Eleven (11) years or relevant post-degree 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 $138,320 – $262,080 per year for the role of Principal Scientist, Structural Biology and Biophysics (Blue Sky Kinases).

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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.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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