Lead or Senior Researcher - Babu Lab

Performs a variety of basic laboratory research tasks determined by the field and scope of the particular research project/study. Performs tasks related to the research project independently, but within specific guidelines which are subject to review by supervisor and/or other research staff.

Overview

As a part of the Center of Excellence for Data-Driven Discovery in the Department of Structural Biology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Babu Group seeks a highly driven, full-time experimental Senior or Lead Researcher with a strong background in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture techniques to support the G Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) Collaborative. The GPCR Collaborative is a recently established St Jude-funded national collaborative between six leading GPCR biology and pharmacology experts to reveal the molecular determinants and fidelity of GPCR signaling in health and disease. The goal of the Collaborative is to gain fundamentally new insights into GPCR physiology using state-of-the-art technologies that shift focus from time-averaged, ensemble investigations towards understanding the properties and functions of single molecules and assemblies in space and time. This goal will be accomplished by leveraging the different expertise of the Collaborative members:

M. Madan Babu, Member, Dept. of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Scott Blanchard, Member, Dept. of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Jonathan Javitch, Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University & NY State Psychiatric Institute

Robert Lefkowitz, Chancellor's Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Duke University

Georgios Skiniotis, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University

Alice Ting, Professor of Genetics, Biology, and Chemistry, Stanford University

The Babu Group uses data-driven approaches to understand sequence-function relationships in intrinsically disordered proteins and structure-function relationships in medicinally important structured protein families such as GPCRs and Kinases, respectively. The Researcher/Senior Researcher will design and carry out experiments aimed at understanding mechanisms of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling in human physiology and disease to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Work from our group has revealed insights into signaling mechanisms linking the ligand-binding pocket in receptors (Nature 2013) to activation-dependent conformational changes (Nature 2016), the selective binding of G proteins (Nature 2017), and the allosteric activation mechanism of G proteins (Nature 2015). We have demonstrated that GPCR isoforms diversify signaling responses in different human tissues (Nature 2020) and that GPCRs are highly variable in the human population, contributing to variable drug responses and posing an economic burden on healthcare systems (Cell 2018).

The successful candidate will be a fast learner who can operate independently with care and confidence to support day-to-day experimental efforts in the Group. They will provide research support, perform experiments with guidance, and oversee supply inventorying, ordering, and receiving. Successful candidates will have experience making media preparations, performing standard molecular cloning procedures, and handling mammalian cell lines. Excellent organization and communication skills are required to document experimental observations, present results, and coordinate materials for multiple experimentalists in the group. A large component of the weekly responsibilities will be 1) maintaining mammalian cell culture lines to support high-throughput assays to interrogate GPCR signaling and 2) maintaining, ordering, and organizing laboratory equipment and supplies. In this position, the candidate will gain extensive experience in cutting-edge techniques to interrogate the biology, structure, and pharmacology of GPCRs, the single most medicinally important protein family.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining mammalian cell culture lines and preparing lines for testing and various experiments under the supervision of senior Scientists
• Maintaining, ordering, and organizing laboratory supplies under the supervision of the Director of Laboratory Research
• Molecular cloning of single constructs and DNA libraries using modern assembly techniques
• Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment
• Meticulous electronic documentation of experimental observations, procedures, sample organization, and results

Opportunities for Professional Growth 

• The candidate will learn to analyze cellular phenotypes using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometric analysis
• The candidate will learn how to genetically engineer mammalian cell lines
• The candidate will learn to use fluorescence- and luminescence-based biosensor and reporter assays to interrogate GPCR signaling

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is consistently named as one of Fortune magazine and Glassdoor.com’s “Best Places to Work,” as well as “Best Workplace for Women” and “Best Workplace for Diversity.” We are in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, a vibrant and friendly city at the historic American crossroads of music, trade, food, and culture. Mild winters and beautiful green outdoor spaces are part of the reasons why Forbes recently named Memphis the 4th happiest city in which to work. Low cost of living and high quality of life are other attractions; Money magazine listed Memphis as one of the least expensive cities in which to raise a child. St. Jude salaries are highly competitive.

St Jude Employees receive:

• Excellent healthcare plans with zero to low health premium costs
• Onsite health clinic, pharmacy, and exercise facilities
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance
• Immigration Services
• Tuition Reimbursement

The Babu Group strives to build and maintain a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion and we strongly feel these values directly contribute to the dynamic and intellectually stimulating scientific environment we can provide.

Minimum Education and/or Training for Either level:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area is required.

Minimum Experience for Senior Researcher:

• 2+ years of research experience is required with a Bachelor's degree.
• No prior experience required with a Master's degree.

Minimum Experience for Lead Researcher:

• 5+ years of research experience is required with a Bachelor's degree.
• 3+ years of experience is required with a Master’s degree.
• No prior experience required with a PhD.

Salary Expectations:

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $54,038 - $89,148 per year for the role of Senior Researcher.

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $60,320 - $105,040 per year for the role of Lead Researcher.

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 or Senior Researcher - Babu Lab.

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