Senior Scientist in Microbial Pathogenesis

Senior Scientist position in Dr. Victor J. Torres’s Laboratory to study bacterial pathogenesis.

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 basic science Department will focus 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 focusing on antibiotic resistant (AMR) bacteria, which have been recognized by the World Health Organization as a serious threat to human health. We take advantage of multidisciplinary approaches and combine techniques from bacteriology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology, cellular biology, and immunology with primary tissue culture models and a variety of murine models of infection, to address our favorite questions. Our ultimate goal is to understand the basic principles of bacterial pathogenesis as well as to develop a platform for the discovery of targets that could be exploited for the generation of much-needed therapies.

We are looking for an exceptional scientist to help us lead studies on the genetics, pathogenesis and mechanisms of immune evasion by AMR microbes. 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. Expertise in bacterial genetics, comparative genomics, host-pathogen interaction, protein structure, host response to infection, and/or mouse models is highly desirable. Applicants should have a strong publication record, exceptional communication and organizational skills, willingness to work in a team atmosphere, willingness to train juniors scientists, and should have excellent multitasking 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; Zheng X et al. Nature Communications . 2021 Oct 26;12(1):6193; 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

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is supported by ALSAC, one of the world’s leading nonprofit charitable organizations. ALSAC exists solely to raise and provide the funds necessary to operate and maintain St. Jude. Our unique funding model affords St. Jude researchers with excellent support, state-of-the-art facilities, resources, and a remarkable degree of freedom to innovate and pursue novel research questions impacting infectious diseases and other catastrophic diseases.

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

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 $104,000 - $186,160 per year for the role of Senior Scientist in Microbial Pathogenesis.

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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.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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