Scientist / Associate Scientist – Preclinical Design & Development (PDD) Core

About the role

The Preclinical Design and Development (PDD) Core within the Pediatric Translational Neuroscience Initiative at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking a rigorous, execution-focused Scientist with a strong background in patient-derived cell model development, high-throughput screening, and RNA biology. The candidate will execute cellular RNA-therapeutic evaluation workflows across a portfolio of cases with diverse genomic underpinnings. This is an exciting opportunity for a scientist seeking a team-based, project-driven role at a leading research institution. The PDD core advances mutation-specific antisense therapies for children with ultra-rare and even one-of-a-kind (n-of-1) genetic conditions. Working at the cutting edge of precision genomics and translational medicine, the goal is to move rapidly from a child's genetic diagnosis to a potential therapeutic candidate, with rigor, urgency, and purpose.

Who we're looking for

The ideal candidate is a skilled molecular biologist with expertise in plate-based cellular screening workflows and working knowledge of splicing/RNA biology. We are looking for a collaborative, methodical scientist who is self-directed and at ease with the iterative, fast-paced nature of translational work.

Preferred qualifications and attributes

• Experience with plate-based molecular screening workflows and quantitative nucleic acid assays (RT-qPCR, ddPCR); familiarity with isoform-discriminating or allele-specific probe design is preferred.
• Working knowledge of RNA biology, particularly pre-mRNA splicing, and comfort interpreting molecular readouts in a therapeutic context.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, including complex or patient-derived cellular models.
• Ability to manage and execute multi-step experimental workflows across parallel projects with consistency and rigor.
• Comfort adapting established protocols to new cellular contexts and working through scientific uncertainty iteratively.
• Team-first orientation and comfort with flexible, pipeline-driven translational work.

What you will do

• Design and execute cell-based therapeutic evaluation workflows and validation pipelines with high rigor across concurrent patient cases.
• Derive, characterize, and bank patient-specific cellular models to enable screening and functional validation.
• Design and validate quantitative molecular assays (RT-qPCR, ddPCR) and perform biochemical and imaging-based readouts to evaluate therapeutic efficacy.
• Manage parallel experimental timelines and maintain proactive communication with collaborating teams to support project objectives.
• Maintain rigorous documentation, data integrity, and quality control standards consistent with a Core laboratory environment.
• Support monitoring and stocking of supplies; calibration, maintenance, or troubleshooting of equipment.
• Contribute positively to a culture of shared responsibility, mutual support, and collective scientific progress.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Core and departmental objectives.

Minimum education and training

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area, such as genomics, molecular biology, cell biology, is required.
• Prior experience with Janus liquid handlers is a plus.

Experience required

Scientist:

• Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required
• Six (6) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master's degree
• Three (3) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD

Associate Scientist:

• 7+ years of research experience is required
• 5+ years of research experience is required with a Master's degree
• 2+ years of research experience is required with a PhD

Pay

Scientist salary range: $86,320.00 – $154,960.00. Associate Scientist salary range: $65,520.00 – $114,400.00. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $86,320 – $154,960 per year for the role of Scientist / Associate Scientist – Preclinical Design & Development (PDD) Core.