Scientist- Abraham’s Lab

Join our Team!
The Abraham Laboratory in the Department of Computational Biology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking an innovative and collaborative Scientist to investigate how gene regulation and nuclear organization shape mammalian cell identity and contribute to disease, including pediatric cancers.
This is an exciting bench-based role for a hands-on experimental scientist who is passionate about uncovering the mechanisms that control gene expression.
The successful candidate will study cis- and trans- regulatory mechanisms using cutting-edge molecular biology technologies and independently design and execute high-throughput functional genomics assays
Working at the intersection of molecular biology, functional genomics, and cancer biology, you will design and execute cutting-edge experiments that advance our understanding of how regulatory elements such as enhancers and super-enhancers drive normal development and disease.
As a key member of a highly collaborative multidisciplinary team, you will lead and contribute to research projects utilizing advanced genomic technologies, cell-based systems, and imaging approaches to answer fundamental biological questions with direct relevance to human health.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a highly independent, hands-on scientist with strong troubleshooting skills and a collaborative mindset. This individual will serve as a key experimental partner within a shared-resource environment, working across multiple research projects focused on gene regulation and functional genomics.
Candidates are not required to have expertise in every area listed. We welcome individuals with experience in a combination of these techniques who are eager to expand their skill set and contribute across diverse research projects.
Experience in some combination of the following areas is preferred:
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Molecular cloning
Cell culture and tissue culture
Viral transduction and cell line engineering
Tissue processing and sample handling
Functional Genomics & Omics Technologies
Strong hands-on experience with at least one high-throughput sequencing-based assay such as:
ChIP-seq
CUT&RUN
ATAC-seq
RNA-seq
Hi-C or related genomic technologies
Ability to independently troubleshoot and optimize genomics workflows
Imaging & Cellular Phenotyping
Immunofluorescence staining
DNA and RNA FISH
Confocal microscopy
Cellular imaging-based assays
Preferred / Nice-to-Have Experience
Massively Parallel Reporter Assays (MPRA)
High-throughput functional genomic screening
Research involving transcriptional condensates, enhancer biology, or gene regulatory mechanisms
Experience generating and analyzing large-scale genomic datasets
Projects This Scientist May Support
Depending on their expertise and project needs, the successful candidate may contribute to initiatives involving:
MPRA-based functional genomics studies
DNA and RNA imaging assays
Transcriptional condensate biology
Enhancer and super-enhancer regulation
Genome-wide sequencing and functional genomics applications
Large-scale dataset generation and characterization efforts
This role is best suited for a scientist who enjoys being the go-to experimental expert, thrives in a highly collaborative environment, and has the technical confidence to independently drive complex research projects from concept to data generation.
What You'll Do
In this laboratory-based role, you will:
Coordinate multiple research projects, carry out bench laboratory experiments utilizing various techniques, and determine whether additional or other tools, methods, or data are required
Provide input regarding research protocols and experiments. Sets up protocols and assists in developing new laboratory techniques as required.
Monitor the quality and integrity of recorded information and data.
Identify, process, organize, interpret, review, and faithfully, comprehensively, and durably report relevant data.
Draft sections of research manuscripts.
Provide basic lab operation support to include equipment maintenance and purchasing. Monitor inventory levels and order lab supplies as needed.
Collaborate on project and analysis design under the guidance of multiple invested PIs.
Set personal task-level priorities across multiple interconnected projects.
Adhere to field and lab standards for data generation and analysis.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance, especially in-person attendance at meetings and relevant presentations.
Increase in independence and expertise over time.
Special Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
Ability to rapidly learn, optimize, and implement new or advanced techniques as required by the evolving research direction.
Experience leading or substantially driving complex research projects.
Can apply knowledge/skills within own area to deliver tasks with limited guidance
Focus on setting high targets, following through actions, and achieving results. Ability to anticipate roadblocks and circumvent challenges.
Very strong commitment to rigor and scientific integrity.
Strong written and spoken English, presentation, and communication skills.
Essential hands-on experience with: cell biology techniques such as cell culture, in-vitro cell assays, viral transduction, and tissue sample handling at least