We seek an investigator who will establish an independent, multidisciplinary research program addressing fundamental questions in neuronal cell biology through the integration of mechanistic approaches with advanced structural and cellular imaging. Areas of particular interest include the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptogenesis and synaptic transmission, polarized trafficking and organelle dynamics in neurons, neuronal genome organization, and other aspects of neuronal architecture and function that can be uniquely interrogated through cryo-ET and vEM. Investigators developing new cryo-ET, vEM, correlative imaging, or quantitative image-analysis approaches for neuronal cell biology are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Department of Developmental Neurobiology

Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology and Neuronal Cell Biology Division
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology (CoE-SCB) and the Division of Neuronal Cell Biology in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital invites applications from exceptional and creative scientists for a faculty position focused on neuronal cell biology and the application and development of cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET) and volume electron microscopy (vEM). The successful candidate will join the CoE-SCB and the Division of Neuronal Cell Biology, holding a faculty appointment in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology, creating a close scientific interface between these highly collaborative research environments.

We seek an investigator who will establish an independent, multidisciplinary research program addressing fundamental questions in neuronal cell biology through the integration of mechanistic approaches with advanced structural and cellular imaging. Areas of particular interest include the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptogenesis and synaptic transmission, polarized trafficking and organelle dynamics in neurons, neuronal genome organization, and other aspects of neuronal architecture and function that can be uniquely interrogated through cryo-ET and vEM. Investigators developing new cryo-ET, vEM, correlative imaging, or quantitative image-analysis approaches for neuronal cell biology are also strongly encouraged to apply.

This recruitment represents a joint strategic effort between the CoE-SCB and the Division of Neuronal Cell Biology within the Department of Developmental Neurobiology to establish a research program that bridges molecular, organellar, and cellular scales. The CoE-SCB provides an integrated environment for structural cell biology, bringing together expertise in cryo-EM, cryo-ET, cryogenic volume imaging, correlative microscopy, and computational image analysis. The Center works closely with investigators across St. Jude as well as external academic and industry partners to develop and deploy emerging technologies for understanding biological mechanisms directly within cells and tissues.

The Department of Developmental Neurobiology provides an outstanding complementary environment for investigating neuronal development, organization, and function. Investigators have access to specialized resources that include human stem-cell systems, advanced live-cell and super-resolution imaging, Lattice Light Sheet microscopy, Meso-SPIM instrumentation, and sophisticated image processing and analysis. Together, the capabilities of the Division of Neuronal Cell Biology within the Department of Developmental Neurobiology and the CoE-SCB provide an exceptional opportunity to connect dynamic cellular processes with molecular and ultrastructural organization across an unusually broad range of spatial and temporal scales.

We are particularly interested in early-career investigators who are excited by the opportunity to build an ambitious research program at the interface of neuronal cell biology and structural cell biology and to contribute intellectually and technologically to the growing cryo-ET and vEM community at St. Jude.

St. Jude provides highly competitive recruitment packages, including substantial startup funding, equipment, laboratory space, personnel support, and continued institutional support beyond the startup period. The Department of Developmental Neurobiology and the CoE-SCB are housed within St. Jude’s 625,000-square-foot Advanced Research Center, designed specifically to support interdisciplinary research and cutting-edge technologies.

Faculty appointments at the Assistant or Associate Member level may be considered.

Successful applicants should hold a PhD and/or MD degree, have at least three years of relevant postgraduate experience, and demonstrate a strong record of scientific productivity and the potential to develop an innovative, independent research program.

To apply:

Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a 2–3 page statement of research interests, and the names of three references directly via the online application.

For more information:

[email protected]

Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology
Neuronal Cell Biology Division, Department of Developmental Neurobiology
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105

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