An Associate Scientist position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Salvador Almagro-Moreno, Associate Member in the Department of Host-Microbe Interactions at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Moreno lab investigates the emergence and evolution of bacterial pathogens. Our major research interests include elucidating the molecular strategies that bacterial pathogens develop for host colonization, virulence regulation and dispersal from the host. Furthermore, we study the connection that ecosystems and humanmade environmental perturbations have in their pathogenic potential and transmission. 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. 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. Our research program focuses on pathogenic members of the family Vibrionaceae with a strong emphasis on the intestinal pathogen Vibrio cholerae and the climate-sensitive pathogen Vibrio vulnificus, source of fulminant septicemia. Our program aligns with the global strategy “One Health” and lies at the interface between molecular microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, and microbial ecology, drawing from modern computational methods and evolutionary theory. Our goal is to gain the knowledge to a) effectively forecast the traits of emergent virulent strains, b) predict the sources of outbreaks, and c) identify potential drug targets for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes to prevent colonization or limit the spread of these infectious agents. We are looking for an exceptional Lead Researcher to help us lead studies aimed at understanding the molecular and ecological drivers of pathogen emergence. The individual is expected to lead projects that gravitate at the interface of several scientific disciplines. Priority will be given to candidates with a PhD or equivalent. Candidates with an MS and +3 years of experience or a BS and +5 will also be considered. Experience with bacteriology and molecular microbiology techniques, and models of infection and bacterial colonization is required. Knowledge of evolutionary biology, microbial ecology and/or bioinformatics is highly desired. Particular consideration will be given to candidates that widen the scope of stablished technical expertise of the Moreno Lab (e.g. biochemistry, immunology). Priority will be given to applicants with a record of quality publications in peer reviewed journals. Applicants should have exceptional communication and organizational skills, willingness to work in a team atmosphere, willingness to train junior scientists, and should have excellent multitasking abilities. Applicants are expected to be independent thinkers and contribute to the development of novel projects and proposals. Minimum Education and/or Training: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area. Minimum Experience: 7 + years of research experience is required. 5 + years of research experience is required with a Master’s degree. 2 + years of research experience is required with a PHD. Experience leading and supporting research experiments preferred. Some experience leading lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred. Experience in guiding and training other laboratory personnel preferred Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role. Eligibility for employees who transitioned into, were hired, or accepted offers for the role before 1/5/2025, the effective date of the Lab Research Career Path Refinements, will be determined based on the following criteria: Bachelor’s + 5 years; Master’s + 3 years; PHD + 0. Special Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Results & Execution – Focus on setting high targets, following through with actions, and achieving results. Ability to anticipate roadblocks and circumvent challenges. Data analysis & Insights (Research) – Ability to set up data needs, collect, analyze, interpret scientific data and insights; stays abreast of data tools, and technologies in data analysis and insights. Industry & Regulatory Knowledge – Knowledge of industry best practices, Good Practices (GxP), regulatory compliance and documentation requirements relevant for scope of work. Lab Technology Expertise – Ability to leverage skills in routine/scientific/experimental procedures and lab techniques to identify/execute approaches and address scientific questions in research settings. Research Dissemination & Influence – Skills in conveying research findings to the appropriate audience using the right amount of data and narrative to enable decision-making. Ability to connect with influence critical stakeholders towards meaningful outcomes. 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 $65,520 - $114,400 per year for the role of Associate Scientist-Moreno Lab. Explore our exceptional benefits! 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. 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