Career Opportunity

Division of Cancer Predisposition

St Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The Nichols Lab  at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow with interests and research experience in hematopoiesis, stem cell biology or leukemia modeling to carry out projects in cancer predisposition.

We are interested in identifying novel genes and genetic variants that contribute to development of cancer and primary immunodeficiency. In 2015, we and others identified germline variants in ETV6, the gene encoding the essential hematopoietic transcription factor ETV6, in families affected by autosomal dominant thrombocytopenia and predisposition to B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). We are now using human and mouse models to decipher how these germline ETV6 variants impact hematopoiesis and promote leukemogenesis.

Towards this end, we have generated a knock-in mouse model harboring a heterozygous germline Etv6 variant that mimics a human variant observed in multiple kindreds. We are characterizing the hematopoietic phenotypes of these animals and examining the transcriptional mechanisms by which ETV6 regulates these processes. To model these cell compartments and perform assays in vitro, we also employ a number of cell lines including murine-derived HSPCs and pro-B cells, as well as human iPSCs. To study the role of ETV6 in malignancy, we have crossed the Etv6 variant mice with other mouse strains carrying known cooperating events identified in leukemia samples. Ultimately, our goal is to better understand how germline and somatic genetic events perturb key cellular and molecular pathways that then lead to leukemia.

The Postdoctoral Fellow should have experience working with mice, such as breeding, genotyping, harvesting organs, completing flow cytometry. A background in hematopoiesis or leukemia modeling is desired.

The Nichols lab provides a highly collaborative and interactive environment where the postdoctoral fellow will have ample opportunities to participate in research initiatives centered around germline and tumor genomics. The postdoctoral fellow will access to many shared resources within the Department of Oncology and St. Jude Cancer Center, which will facilitate research initiatives and ensure their success.

This is a remarkable opportunity to be part of a positive workplace where all employees, regardless of their role, share the same commitment to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. St. Jude is consistently ranked on Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Places to Work For” and is No. 9 on the 2018 Glassdoor “Best Place to Work” list for companies with 1,000 or more employees.

This position is based in Memphis, TN with relocation assistance available. The facilities and salaries are competitive, and a generous benefit package is included. Memphis is a family-friendly metropolitan area that is recognized for its world-class music, food and hospitality. Mild winters and beautiful green spaces are part of the reasons why Forbes recently named Memphis the 4th happiest city in which to work.

If interested, please contact Kim Nichols, MD  (kim.nichols@stjude.org ) or 901-484-7789 (cell).

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