Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the lab of Dr. Senthil Bhoopalan, focusing on developing curative therapies for bone marrow failure (BMF) disorders. The project involves utilizing induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hematopoietic stem cells and engineered hematopoietic stem cells, advancing gene therapy for Diamond-Blackfan anemia, and developing individualized genome editing-based treatments for BMF disorders using base editors and prime editors. This translational project, funded by ARPA-H, aims to develop preclinical models and pipelines to demonstrate efficacy and safety for personalized genomic medicines.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop novel research project(s) and idea(s) in collaboration with mentor.
• Design and perform experiments, interpret data, and communicate results with the scientific community.
• Work with mice models of human disease.
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team and with collaborative labs inside and outside St. Jude.
• Generate initial draft for grants and research manuscripts.
• Professional development, including grant writing.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• PhD required.
• Experience working with mice.
• Strong background in cell biology and HSC biology.
• Exposure to high-throughput screens, CRISPR/Cas9, base editors will strengthen the application.
• Expertise in genome editing, cell biology, LNP formulation, cGMP practices, technical writing, regulatory affairs, clinical trial design, and project management is part of the multidisciplinary team's expertise.

About the Lab and St. Jude

The Bhoopalan lab aims to advance the understanding of human hematopoiesis and develop curative therapies for blood disorders. The lab uses tools from molecular biology, cell biology, computational data science, and translational medicine. Trainees will have access to technical expertise, opportunities for collaborative efforts, project leadership, grant writing, and development towards independent research.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a world-class research institution dedicated to pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases of childhood. It is the first and only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. The hospital offers a highly collaborative multidisciplinary environment with access to expert scientists and mentors. Postdoctoral trainees benefit from:

• A blend of academic freedom and industrial efficiency with access to shared resources and cutting-edge technology.
• Customized professional and career growth programs including grant writing workshops, individual development plans, teaching and mentoring opportunities, non-research career advancement programs, and a professional development allowance.
• Competitive salary starting at $72,530 a year, comprehensive benefits, and generous relocation assistance.
• A vibrant postdoc community that supports a well-balanced life.