We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Scientist – Molecular Microbiology Development to support the advancement of molecular diagnostic technologies focused on infectious disease detection, quantitation, and characterization. This role contributes directly to patient care through the development, evaluation, implementation, and support of molecular assays, reagents, instruments, and test systems within a dynamic clinical and research environment.

The World’s Brightest Minds Always Innovate

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we know what can be achieved when the brightest scientific minds face the fewest barriers. That’s why we provide world-class facilities. State-of-the-art technologies. Extraordinary support. And a collaborative, bench-to-bedside environment where you can see, firsthand, how your science translates into survival for the children we serve. Quite simply, at St. Jude, we encourage you to dream big and stop at nothing when it comes to finding cures and saving children.

Key Responsibilities

Support patient care through the development and evaluation of assays, reagents, instruments, and test systems related to the detection, quantitation, and characterization of infectious disease agents.
Utilize a broad range of established and emerging molecular technologies and methodologies to achieve the goals of the Molecular Microbiology section, including:
- Nucleic acid purification methods
- Molecular amplification methodologies
- Nucleic acid sequencing systems
- Molecular analytic pipelines
- Digital PCR and related techniques
- Basic molecular analytic and biochemical techniques
Apply broad scientific knowledge in clinical microbiology and virology, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR), to assay development, evaluation, and implementation activities.
Demonstrate a strong theoretical and practical understanding of:
- Molecular amplification chemistries
- Nucleic acid extraction chemistries and workflows
- Sequencing technologies
- Immunologic and immunodiagnostic methodologies
Work with a wide variety of molecular and analytical platforms, including:
- Automated and manual extraction systems
- Amplification technologies
- Sequencing systems
- RNA sequencing (RNAseq)
- Array-based methodologies
- Immunologic techniques such as ELISpot
- Proteomic or metabolomic related methods or data
Utilize computational and bioinformatic tools to support assay development and data interpretation, including:
- Primer and assay design software
- Sequence analysis software
- Molecular analytics pipelines
- Command-line computational tools
- Emerging machine learning applications relevant to molecular diagnostics
Maintain awareness of biosafety principles and clinical laboratory quality essentials, including general laboratory structure, quality systems, and operational paradigms relevant to molecular diagnostics.
Work autonomously or semi-autonomously on assigned projects while collaborating with members of the Molecular Microbiology development and clinical laboratory teams.
Provide technical expertise and troubleshooting support for established assays and contribute to assay selection, assay design, and experimental strategy development.
Facilitate the transition and sustainment of newly developed, modified, or evaluated assays from the development environment into the clinical testing laboratory through:
- Personnel training
- Assay troubleshooting and support
- Development and quality control of control materials and calibrators
Communicate scientific findings, project updates, and relevant literature to members of the Molecular Microbiology team, institutional stakeholders, and the broader scientific community through meetings, presentations, reports, and publications.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge molecular diagnostic development for clinical use while supporting high-quality patient care and advancing infectious disease testing capabilities.

The World’s Best Stop at Nothing

There’s a reason St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is consistently ranked on Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work” list. Actually, there are more than 5,500 reasons. At our world-class pediatric research hospital, every one of our 5,500 professionals shares our commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children we serve. There’s a unique bond when you are part of a team that will stop at nothing to advance the treatments and cures of pediatric catastrophic diseases. The result is a collaborative, positive environment where all employees, regardless of their role, receive the resources, support, and encouragement to advance and grow their careers.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.

Minimum Experience:

Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required with a Bachelor's degree.
Six (6) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master's degree.
Three (3) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD.

Benefits

Your health and well-being are important to us. That's why St. Jude Children's Research Hospital provides employees with high-quality benefits choices.

We are committed to ensuring our benefits are competitive and affordable. St. Jude continues to cover medical premiums for employees and offers low additional costs for dependents.

View all thebenefitsofferedincluding Medical & Prescription Drug Plans, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Financial Security, Retirement Plan, Living Well - Employee Wellness Program, Time Off Programs, Educational Benefits, Family Friendly Benefits, and Benefits Unique to St. Jude.

Have More in Memphis

Get the best of big-city amenities mixed with all the charm of a small-town feel when you live in Memphis. From our world-renowned music scene to our eclectic mix of food and people. Memphis is a place our employees are proud to call home. Our region enjoys a cost of living more than 20% lower than the national average and our state places no personal income tax on wages. Plus, Memphians spend five hours less per year in their daily commute compared to the national average. Learn how you can “Have More in Memphis.”

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 $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role of Scientist-Molecular Microbiology Development.

Explore our exceptional benefits!

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

Scientist-Molecular Microbiology Development

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

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