Job Description

A Lead Researcher position is available for a highly motivated individual interested in transitioning from a postdoctoral position to a more stable staff scientist position.

The successful candidate will lead an independent research project dedicated to identifying abnormal neuronal circuits in murine models of 22q11.2 and 3q29 deletion syndromes, 2 rare conditions that confer the highest genetic risks of schizophrenia.

Preference will be given to applicants who have a strong background in 2-photon imaging of restrained experimental subjects, cranial window surgeries, in vivo stereotaxic-guided injections of viruses, and strong communication skills. The laboratory is equipped with 2 dedicated 2-photon mesoscopes (Thorlabs) and Mini-2p (Thorlabs) and Inscopix miniature microscopes for imaging large cortical areas and subcortical structures at cellular and subcellular resolution in awake, behaving organisms (Chun et al, Science 2014; Blundon et. al. Science 2017; Davenport et al., Cell 2022; Bayazitov et al., Cell Reports 2024).

The candidate also will benefit from an outstanding, highly collaborative work environment in which a diverse team of 12 researchers is focusing efforts toward understanding the mechanisms of schizophrenia and psychotic behavior at the levels of neural circuits and individual neurons, synapses, and molecules.

The  Zakharenko laboratory is part of the  Department of Developmental Neurobiology , which houses specialized departmental shared resources, including an integrated support structure for behavioral phenotyping, genetic engineering, in vivo and ex vivo neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, and single-cell genomics. In addition, numerous institutional shared resources and core facilities support the laboratory by providing expertise and state-of-the-art technologies.

Job Responsibilities:

• Performs laboratory experiments using existing, modified or newly developed techniques/protocols
• Sets up protocols, trouble shoots experiments using new or modified laboratory techniques
• Identifies experimental data pertinent to the analysis problem. Processes, organizes and summarizes data and reports results
• May assist in the drafting and editing of manuscripts.
• Provides basic lab operation support to include equipment maintenance and purchasing. Monitors inventory and orders lab supplies as needed. Performs calibration of instruments and equipment as necessary.
• Provides guidance to entry-level employees.
• Performs other related duties as assigned in order to meet the goals of the department and institution
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required

Minimum Experience:

• Five (5) years of relevant, post-degree work experience is required
• Two (2) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Master's degree
• No experience is required with a PHD

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offers an excellent salary and benefits package and is an equal-opportunity employer.

Interested applicants should send their CVs and the names and addresses of 3 references to:

Stanislav Zakharenko , M.D., Ph.D. Department of Developmental Neurobiology, MS 322

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105

stanislav.zakharenko@stjude.org

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 Lead Researcher in 2-Photon Imaging in Schizophrenia Models - Zakharenko Lab.

Explore our exceptional  benefits !

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world—regardless of race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.  Learn more about our history and commitment .

Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital’s roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.

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