The Lead Researcher for Antibody Discovery performs a variety of basic laboratory research tasks determined by the field and scope of the particular research project/study within HMI.

Join an excellent team of researchers dedicated to coming closer to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, that no child will die at the dawn of life. Antibody Discovery Collaborative Centre (ADCC) within the Department of Host Microbe Interactions at St. Jude seeks a skilled and highly motivated protein sciences candidate with experience in gene-to-protein workflows. This role will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that improve the efficiency, scalability, and fidelity of molecular biology processes, ensuring that downstream teams receive high-quality protein and biologics for discovery purposes.

Candidates with experience in protein engineering, expression and validation of biologics are encouraged to apply. Master’s degree in relevant scientific area with proven performance in earlier role (3+ years) OR PhD with suitable graduate training will be preferred.

What you will do:

Work closely with mAb discovery platforms to support molecular biology workflows; design and execute construct generation for antibody expression.
Perform DNA preparations to generate high-quality plasmid material for mammalian cell transfection.
Develop and optimize high-throughput mammalian cell-based production platforms for recombinant antibodies, antigens, and other biologics.
Establish scalable transient and stable expression workflows in CHO, HEK293, and other mammalian expression systems.
Purification using AKTA chromatography systems.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Size Exclusion Chromatography (HPLC-SEC) analysis of purified proteins.
Molecular assessment of early-stage development candidates (polyreactivity ELISA, CE-SDS, SEC-MALS, DSF)
Maintain accurate and timely ELN data

Preferred skills:

Experience with modern AKTA chromatography systems (FPLC) for affinity capture and SEC chromatography
Experience with high-throughput automated protein purification systems (e.g. Kingfisher)
Experience with antibody-related bioinformatic/software packages.
Expertise in high-throughput molecular biology approaches for construct generation
Experience with mAb characterization techniques (FACS, BLI, epitope binning).

About St. Jude

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a world-class research institution dedicated to pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases of childhood. The first and only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Our 300 faculty work across the spectrum of basic, translational, clinical, and population science in a highly collaborative multidisciplinary environment that includes a Nobel laureate and members of the National Academy of Science and the National Academy of Medicine. St. Jude is ranked on Fortune Magazine’s “Best Workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma” and Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work”. St. Jude is one of the best-funded research institutes in the US with an annual budget of over $2 billion per year (https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude/financials.html).

What We Will Offer You

Working at St. Jude is a remarkable experience in many ways, and you will be provided with many special perks.

Mission and Purpose: At St. Jude, working is more than just a job — it’s a calling. Each member of St. Jude is united by a shared purpose: finding cures and saving children. In addition to the meaningful work you will undertake, we offer a range of perks to enhance your experience.
Community and Belonging: St. Jude is like a warm family that welcomes you, to a large part because it is a Children’s hospital.
The Best of Both Worlds – Industry and Academia: St. Jude provides academic freedom in research and industrial efficiency and resources. We have access to world-class shared resources/facilities led by expert scientists, coupled with state-of-the-art technology and funding, accelerating research productivity.
World-Class Benefits: St. Jude offers a world-class benefits package (https://www.stjude.org/jobs/hospital/benefits.html). Enjoy comprehensive healthcare, a competitive salary, tuition assistance for continued education, and exceptional work-life balance with ample paid time off.
Professional Growth: You will have access to opportunities to enhance your professional growth in terms of scientific skills, soft skills, and your career (St. Jude has well defined career path).
Diversity: St. Jude is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse scientific community, where everyone’s contributions are valued. More information is available here.
Competitive Compensation: Embark on your journey with a competitive salary (depending on experience) comprehensive benefits and generous relocation assistance, reflecting our commitment to recognize and invest in talent. Furthermore, in Memphis/Tennessee, there is no state income tax.
Top Employer: St. Jude was among the top 10 large employers in the US in 2024, ahead of Google, Microsoft and Apple: https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-large-employers/?sh=70605b987b66 . Top Employer for Women: St. Jude is also among the top 10 employers for women in the US: https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-employers-women/ . St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is high school and college students’ top “dream employer,” according to the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) 2018 Career Interest Survey. https://www.hrdive.com/news/st-judes-tops-list-of-students-dream-employers/526201/ .
Additional Perks: St. Jude offers many special perks, such as an on-site gym, an employee pharmacy, and many others. To learn more about the unexpected perks of working at St. Jude, visit our website at https://www.stjude.org/jobs/hospital/talent-talks/10-unexpected-perks-of-working-at-st-jude.html

About Memphis

St. Jude is located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, a vibrant and friendly city at the historic American crossroads of music, trade, food, and culture. Living in Memphis provides several unique advantages, including:

Breathtaking Nature: Memphis provides unique nature and scenery, such as the Mississippi (the largest river in the US) or Shelby Farms Park, with which 4,500 acres is one of the largest urban parks in the country. See https://www.memphistravel.com/sports-outdoors for more details.
Its Culture: It is for instance the home of Elvis Presley. See https://www.memphistravel.com/arts-culture for more details on the cultural aspects.
It’s Affordability: Memphis is one of the most affordable cities in the US, meaning the same income will bring you farther than in other places in the US (for more details, see https://www.moneycrashers.com/most-affordable-cities-live/).

Minimum Education and/or Training:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area is required

Minimum Experience:

5+ years of research experience is required
3+ years of experience is required with a Master’s degree
No prior experience required with a PHD
Strong knowledge and experience in understanding and application of underlying principles related to techniques being performed
Experience in R&D methods and processes in lab setting, and execution of research projects for the laboratory preferred
Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role
Eligibility for employees who transitioned into, were hired, or accepted offers for the role before 1/5/2025, the effective date of the Lab Research Career Path Refinements, will be determined based on the following criteria: Bachelor’s + 2 years; Master’s + 0

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 $60,320 - $105,040 per year for the role of Lead Researcher Antibody Discovery.

Explore our exceptional benefits!

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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Lead Researcher Antibody Discovery