Senior Scientist-Immunology, Vaccinology, Infection

Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death in children. To confront this, and advance cures and means of prevention, the Department of Host-Microbe Interactions has been created at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The new Department is focused on fundamental research in the areas of antimicrobial resistance, host-microbe interactions, and immunity.

A Senior Scientist position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Victor J. Torres, the chair of the Department of Host-Microbe Interactions at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The Torres lab is interested in dissecting the complex interactions between pathogenic bacteria and the mammalian host. Currently, the lab is studying Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter cloacaecomplex infections. We take advantage of multidisciplinary approaches and combine techniques from bacteriology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cellular biology, and immunology withprimary tissue culture models anda variety of murine models of infection, to address our favorite questions. Our goalisto understand the basic principles of bacterial pathogenesis to discover targets that could be exploited for the generation of much-needed therapies.

We are looking for an exceptional Sr. Scientist to help us lead studies aimed at understanding the immune response to bacterial infections. The individual is expected to lead projects that have both fundamental and translational components. A PhD or equivalent, and extensive postdoctoral research experience are required. Extensive experience with murine models of infection and flow cytometry techniques to assess the immune response to infection is required. Applicants should have a strong publication record, exceptionalcommunication and organizational skills, willingness to work in a team atmosphere, willingness to train juniors scientists, and should have excellentmultitasking abilities.

Recent notable publications by the Torres lab include: Buckley PT et al. Cell Host & Microbe. 2023 Apr 20:S1931-3128(23)00148-8; Lacey KA et al. Journal of Experimental Medicine. 2023 Jun 5;220(6):e20221086; Dyzenhaus S et al. Cell Host & Microbe. 2023 Feb 8;31(2):228-242.e8; Zwack EE et al. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. 2022 Aug 2;119(31):e2123017119; Perelman SS et al. Nature Microbiology. 2021 Jun;6(6):731-745; Tam K et al. Journal of Experimental Medicine. 2020 Sep 7;217(9):e20190541; Boguslawski KM et al. Science Advances. 2020 Mar 11;6(11):eaax7515; Keller MD et al. Nature. 2020 Mar;579(7798):260-264; Sause et al. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. 2019 Jul 2;116(27):13563-13572

Job Responsibilities:

• Conducts experiments/projects independently under overall direction of the Principal Investigator (PI )and/or more senior scientist.
• Develops new research protocols, techniques and procedures.
• Identifies experimental data pertinent to the analysis problem. Processes, organizes and summarizes data, reporting these experimental results. Monitors quality and integrity of recorded information and data. Ensures data collection and entry methods meet quality standards. Interprets data as it relates to research problem.
• May publish as co-author and/or draft sections of research manuscripts as necessary. Presents research to colleagues within the organization or at external meetings/events.
• Provides lab operation support and makes recommendations regarding equipment use and maintenance, supplies, etc. Troubleshoots instrument and equipment issues. Provides input into lab operation processes and procedures. Recommends equipment acquisition and decommissioning.
• Regularly trains and oversees the work of others in laboratory techniques and procedures.
• 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:

• Ten (10) years relevant post-degree work experience is required.
• Eight (8) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a Master's degree.
• Six (6) years of relevant post-degree work experience is required with a PhD.

Compensation

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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