Scientist / Sr. Scientist - Neuro-Oncology Translational Research

at  St Jude Childrens Research Hospital

Join Our Team!
The laboratory of Dr. Christopher Tinkle within the Department of Radiation Oncology and Dr. Anang Shelat within the Department of Chemical Biology is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist interested in translating promising small molecule drug candidates into clinical trials for pediatric brain tumors. This position will primarily conduct rigorous preclinical in vivo evaluation of drugs in clinical development for children with brain tumors using a unique collection of patient-derived orthotopic xenograft tumor models and genetically engineered mouse models, including such tumor types as medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and high-grade glioma. The goal of such studies is to inform whether a clinical trial should or should not be pursued.
Additionally, this role is expected to work alongside domain experts in the biology of pediatric brain tumors, clinicians, and pharmacologists, as well as the various institutional shared resources devoted to translational science, in a collaborative project team environment. In addition, the applicant will conduct focused in vitro studies to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics characteristics of lead compounds.
The ideal candidate must have a strong background in cancer biology and significant experience with in vivo tolerability and efficacy studies in murine models, including basic animal husbandry, tissue procurement, processing, brain tumor xenografting, and drug administration. This person must also be comfortable working with 2D and 3D cell culture techniques. The candidate should be familiar with the basic principles of preclinical therapeutic evaluation, including such concepts as drug formulation, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the statistical analysis of survival studies. This role is expected to work closely with the institution’s shared resources and laboratories within the Brain Tumor Program to conduct experiments.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant scientific area is required

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

• Ten (10) years relevant post-degree work experience is required
• Eight (8) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Master’s degree
• Six (6) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a PhD

• Conducts experiments/projects independently under overall direction of the PI and/or more senior scientist
• Develops new research protocols, techniques and procedures.
• Identifies experimental data pertinent to the analysis problem. Processes, organizes and summarizes data, reporting these experimental results. Monitors quality and integrity of recorded information and data. Ensures data collection and entry methods meet quality standards. Interprets data as it relates to research problem.
• May publish as co-author and/or draft sections of research manuscripts as necessary. Presents research to colleagues within the organization or at external meetings/events.
• Provides lab operation support and makes recommendations regarding equipment use and maintenance, supplies, etc. Troubleshoots instrument and equipment issues. Provides input into lab operation processes and procedures. Recommends equipment acquisition and decommissioning.
• Regularly trains and oversees the work of others in laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned in order to meet the goals of the department and institution.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance