Associate Scientist/Scientist in Structural Biology – Fontana Lab, Center of Excellence for Pediatric Immuno-Oncology

Join Us in Unlocking the Secrets of Immunity — Structural Biologist Opportunity at St. Jude!

Dr. Pietro Fontana, Assistant Member in the Center of Excellence for Pediatric Immuno-Oncology (CEPIO) and the Department of Immunology, is seeking a curious, motivated structural biologist to join our team as either an Associate Scientist or Scientist.

The Fontana lab focuses on understanding how immune receptors recognize danger signals and initiate downstream responses, with a particular emphasis on the mechanistic basis of activation and small molecule modulation. We investigate pathways involving cytosolic DNA sensors, inflammasome components, and adaptor proteins such as cGAS, AIM2, and TLRs. Our research integrates cryo-EM, cell biology, and chemical biology to dissect how molecular architecture governs immune function. Recent work includes the discovery and structural characterization of novel dsDNA sensors and the identification of small molecules targeting key innate immune components https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.08.007.

This is more than just a role — it’s a chance to contribute to discoveries that could transform how we understand immunity and develop therapies for some of the toughest pediatric cancers.

What You’ll Do

• Express and purify immune signaling proteins and complexes in multiple systems (bacterial, insect, mammalian).

• Prepare samples for structural studies by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and/or X-ray crystallography.

• Perform data processing and model building (e.g., Relion, CryoSPARC, Coot, PyMOL).

• Design, troubleshoot, and carry out experiments in partnership with a collaborative team.

• Keep projects moving by coordinating lab activities and supporting shared equipment.

• Contribute your insights to manuscripts, presentations, and ongoing brainstorming to push our science forward.

• Mentor junior lab members and help foster a positive, ambitious lab culture.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome candidates with a strong background in structural biology who are excited to apply their skills to immunology. Our ideal teammate will have:

• Hands-on experience with protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization using bacterial, insect, or mammalian systems.

• A good working knowledge of cryo-EM pipelines and data processing.

• Prior knowledge of basic cell culture, and cell-based assays

• A collaborative spirit, adaptability, and a genuine curiosity to learn new approaches.

We also value enthusiasm, teamwork, and creativity — whatever skills you haven’t mastered yet, we’re eager to help you grow.

Scientist: Minimum Education and/or Training:

• 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

• Some experience leading lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred

• Experience in guiding and training other laboratory personnel preferred

• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role

Associate Scientist: Minimum Education and/or Training:

• 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

• Experience leading and supporting research experiments preferred

• Some experience leading lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred

• Experience in guiding and training other laboratory personnel preferred

• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role

Why Join the Fontana Lab at St. Jude?

At St. Jude, science is about more than experiments — it’s about discovery with purpose. The Fontana Lab offers:

• A collaborative and dynamic environment, where your ideas are valued and your growth is supported.

• Opportunities for career development, including grant writing, workshops, and presenting your research at top-tier meetings.

• Access to world-class resources, from state-of-the-art cryo-EM facilities to the larger CEPIO community bridging basic and clinical immuno-oncology.

• A mission-driven institution where your work directly contributes to breakthroughs in pediatric cancer immunotherapy.

Joining us means being part of something bigger: transforming our understanding of immunity to bring hope to children and families facing devastating diseases.

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 $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role of Associate Scientist/Scientist in Structural Biology – Fontana Lab, Center of Excellence for Pediatric Immuno-Oncology.

Explore our exceptional benefits!

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