Postdoctoral Research Associate - Chemical Biology and Therapeutics

The Cupido Lab in the Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is seeking highly motivated, creative post-doctoral researchers to join an interdisciplinary research team. Our lab is broadly interested in elucidating mechanisms of gene transcription control that depend on RNAs. These molecular mechanisms are fundamental to cellular life and may constitute exploitable vulnerabilities of cancer cells. The lab follows two intersecting paths.

1- A biology path: we employ an array of genomic, microscopy and molecular biology techniques to study how perturbations in RNA dependent molecular machines impact the functional genome.

2- A chemistry path: we use medicinal chemistry, structural and chemical biology approaches to develop chemical probes targeting enzymes that remodel Ribo-nucleoprotein (RNP) complexes.

Specific projects in the lab relate to the roles of DEAD-Box helicases in nuclear RNP condensates and development of probes for chemical-induced proximity. The ultimate goal of the lab is deploying compounds we develop in the lab to test new therapeutic hypotheses in cancer treatment.

Ideal candidates will have advanced skills in modern microscopy and molecular biology techniques (path 1) or advanced skills in chemical biology techniques (e.g. chemical synthesis, HTS, biochemistry and cell biology, path 2), and an ability to thrive in interdisciplinary projects and highly collaborative environments. Being comfortable with learning new techniques, as the project requires and experience in the field of RNP condensates is a plus. A high level of commitment and scientific rigor is required.

St. Jude offers an extraordinary array of technological resource centers and research support centers with trained staff and open to all investigators, a setting un-paralleled within academia, and highly competitive salaries and benefits.