Scientist or Associate Scientist in Neural Circuits and Movement (Jay Bikoff Lab)

Employer

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Location

Memphis, Tennessee

Salary

See job description for salary range and compensation

Closing date

Sep 7, 2025

Scientist or Associate Scientist in Neural Circuits and Movement (Jay Bikoff Lab)

Location: Memphis, Tennessee

Category: Laboratory Sciences & Support

Department: Developmental Neurobiology

Shift: Weekday Day

Position Type: Full Time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Req ID JR5276

Job Description
The Scientist or Associate Scientist performs and/or coordinates a wide range of laboratory research procedures and conducts a spectrum of complex support tasks and projects determined by the field and scope of the particular research study. Also, performs a variety of laboratory techniques independently and presents results.

We are seeking a motivated Scientist or Associate Scientist with a background in neural circuits to join the lab of Dr. Bikoff in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

The goal of our research is to understand how neural circuits control movement. We approach this from multiple perspectives, using diverse technologies to analyze the molecular heterogeneity and connectivity of spinal neurons, explore how descending systems in the brain convey information to the spinal motor system, and define the functional roles of spinal interneurons in generating behavior.

This position broadly focuses on understanding the synaptic and circuit organization of neurons in the spinal cord that enable us to move. Specifically, the successful candidate will investigate the connectivity of genetically defined populations of spinal interneurons using a diverse set of approaches, including expansion microscopy, tissue clearing and light-sheet imaging, as well as viral tracing and transcriptomic methodologies. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who would thrive in a highly collaborative, fun, and supportive environment that also provides the freedom to independently develop a research project.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• A PhD in neuroscience or related discipline
• Prior experience in studying neural circuits
• Familiarity with programming languages (e.g. R, Python) and an ability to work with large datasets
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments and interpret data
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary, highly collaborative environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

The Bikoff lab is strongly committed to providing individual mentoring and training, as well as ongoing support at all stages of career development. At St. Jude, 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, and extraordinary support for your research to ensure scientific progress is never halted by a lack of resources.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area is required

Scientist Minimum Experience:

• Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required
• 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

Salary range: $86,320.00/yr.-$154,960.00/yr.

Associate Scientist 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

Salary range: $65,520.00/yr. - $114,400/yr.

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 or Associate Scientist in Neural Circuits and Movement (Jay Bikoff Lab).

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St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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