We are excited to announce a postdoctoral fellowship available in the laboratory of Dr. Charles Roberts in the Division of Molecular Oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.  Dr. Roberts is a leader in the field of cancer epigenetics, and his research has provided new insights into the central role of chromatin remodeling perturbations in cancer, discoveries that have been translated into investigational therapies for both pediatric and adult cancer patients.  His research specifically focuses on SWI/SNF (BAF) chromatin remodeling complexes.  Perturbation of these complexes has broad relevance to cancer as at least nine genes that encode SWI/SNF subunits are collectively mutated in over 20% of all cancers, making this the most frequently mutated chromatin regulator in human malignancies. Research in the Roberts laboratory is designed to discover the mechanisms by which SWI/SNF complexes regulate chromatin and transcriptional control and lineage specification, and the mechanisms by which mutation of SWI/SNF subunits drive cancer formation.  We also seek to identify specific vulnerabilities that are conferred by SWI/SNF mutation with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic opportunities. Based on work pioneered in his lab, in January of 2020 the FDA granted approval of the EZH2 inhibitor Tazemetostat for cancers that contain SMARCB1/INI1 mutations. 

Dr. Roberts’ research is highly regarded and he has been elected to the American Association of Clinical Research, the Society for Pediatric Research, the American Pediatric Society and American Association of Physicians.  He is a passionate mentor and is fully committed to training the next generation of scientists. In addition to being the Director of the NCI designated St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Roberts leads a very successful well-funded team with postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, technologists, senior scientists, and a dedicated bioinformatician. You will receive outstanding training in the development of scientific thinking and other skills such as grant writing, manuscript writing, and effective presentation, as well as have the freedom to develop your own ideas in a rigorous and supportive environment. Previous postdocs and graduate student trainees have successfully pursued careers as leaders in academia and industry. A list of previous trainees is available upon request.

The Division of Molecular Oncology and the top-notch core resources at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will allow you access to the world-class expertise and technology necessary to perform high level science. In addition, postdoctoral fellows at St. Jude receive a generous yearly Professional Development Allowance for travel to scientific meetings.

Minimum Education

Candidates should have recently earned/expect to earn a Ph.D., have published in peer-reviewed journals and have a strong background in molecular biology, genetics/epigenetics, cell biology, and/or cancer biology. Please apply to this position directly on the St. Jude postdoctoral research training page https://postdoc-stjude.icims.com/jobs/search?hashed=-435681859.

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