Associate Scientist in Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Associate Scientist with expertise in cryo-Electron Tomography (cryo-ET) and/or cryo-Volume EM (cryo-vEM) to join our team. This position will focus on developing and optimizing sample preparation workflows for cells and tissue biopsies with a focus on vitrification via high-pressure freezing (HPF) and cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling. The successful candidate will also be involved in data acquisition, image processing, segmentation and workflow development to advance structural cell biology research.

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:

1. Sample preparation for cryo-ET and cryo-vEM workflows:

• Develop and optimize methods for growing mammalian cells on cryo-EM grids.
• Develop and test grid coating strategies to enhance cell attachment and preservation.
• Develop tissue sampling pipelines involving vibratome-assisted sectioning.
• Develop and optimize vitrification protocols, including workflows for ice damage assessment, for mammalian cells and tissue biopsies.
• Optimize HPF planchet assembly and coatings to facilitate easy grid removal post-freezing, minimizing damage and maximizing yield.
• Performing and optimizing cryo-FIB milling, including lift-out techniques, to prepare lamellae for cryo-ET workflows.
• Performing and optimizing slice-and-view volume imaging workflows using cryo-FIB scanning electron microscope (cryo-FIBSEM).
• Assessing the effect of various ion species on samples in cryo-FIB milling workflows (e.g., curtaining effects, ion implantation, image contrast) and accordingly optimizing milling and imaging conditions.
• Troubleshoot and improve cell and tissue handling techniques for cryo-ET and cryo-vEM.

2. Data acquisition and instrument operation:

• Operate Arctis cryo-FIBSEM equipped with integrated fluorescence microscope for precision targeting during lamella preparation workflows.
• Operate Hydra cryo-FIBSEM equipped with integrated fluorescence microscope for precision targeting during slice-and-view volume imaging and lamella preparation workflows.
• Operate Titan Krios electron microscope for tilt-series data collection.
• Utilize AutoTEM, ASV, SerialFIB and customized scripts for automated and high-throughput lamella preparation and volume imaging.
• Utilize Tomography 5 and other acquisition software for automated and high-throughput tomography.
• Perform regular maintenance and alignment of FIB-SEM microscopes.

3. Image Processing & Analysis:

• Perform and optimize pipelines for volume imaging data analysis (image alignment and processing, segmentation and visualization) using customized scripts, ImageJ, Napari, Amira and Dragonfly.
• Process tilt-series data using IMOD, AreTomo, Warp/M, Relion, or other cryo-ET software pipelines.

4. Technology development and innovation:

• Work on custom hardware/software solutions for automation and workflow improvements.
• Apply scripting or programming languages (Python, MATLAB, etc.) to enhance milling workflows, data acquisition and processing efficiency.
• Perform cryo-correlative workflows and cryo-light microscopy.

5. User Training & Facility Support:

• Train researchers and collaborators on cryo-ET and cryo-vEM sample preparation, data acquisition and processing workflows.
• Assist users with troubleshooting sample issues and optimizing imaging conditions.
• Collaborate with industrial partners for upgrades, and automation of cryo-ET workflows.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area.

Minimum Experience:

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

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

• PhD or equivalent degree in Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in cryo-ET and/or cryo-vEM workflows, including sample vitrification, HPF and cryo-FIB milling.
• Proficiency in operation of FIB-SEM microscopes.
• Experience in cryo-ET data collection using Titan Krios, Glacios, or Arctica microscopes.
• Familiarity with scripting or programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) is advantageous.
• Experience with cryo-correlative workflows and multimodal imaging is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate within an interdisciplinary team

The World’s Best Stop at Nothing

There’s a reason St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is consistently ranked on Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work” list. Actually, there are more than 5,500 reasons. At our world-class pediatric research hospital, every one of our 5,500 professionals shares our commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children we serve. There’s a unique bond when you are part of a team that will stop at nothing to advance the treatments and cures of pediatric catastrophic diseases. The result is a collaborative, positive environment where all employees, regardless of their role, receive the resources, support, and encouragement to advance and grow their careers.

Better at Work. Better at Life. 

When you work at St. Jude, you’ll join a highly collaborative work culture that inspires you every day to be your best.  With opportunities for learning and growth, you can shape a career path that is right for you while also enjoying all the benefits and stability of working for a world-class institution. This includes work-life balance with generous paid time-off and on-campus conveniences that make life a little easier. Join us and you’ll quickly see why St. Jude is consistently ranked by our employees on Glassdoor as a “Best Place to Work.”   

Benefits

Your health and well-being are important to us. That's why St. Jude Children's Research Hospital provides employees with high-quality benefits choices.

We are committed to ensuring our benefits are competitive and affordable. St. Jude continues to cover medical premiums for employees and offers low additional costs for dependents. View all the benefits offered including Medical & Prescription Drug Plans, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Financial Security, Retirement Plan, Living Well - Employee Wellness Program, Time Off Programs, Educational Benefits, Family Friendly Benefits, and Benefits Unique to St. Jude.

Have More in Memphis

Get the best of big-city amenities mixed with all the charm of a small-town feel when you live in Memphis. From our world-renowned music scene to our eclectic mix of food and people. Memphis is a place our employees are proud to call home. Our region enjoys a cost of living more than 20% lower than the national average and our state places no personal income tax on wages. Plus, Memphians spend five hours less per year in their daily commute compared to the national average. Learn how you can “Have More in Memphis.”

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 $65,520 - $114,400 per year for the role of Associate Scientist in Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology.

Explore our exceptional benefits!

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.