The Department of Imaging Sciences (DoIS) at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is recruiting a Manager of Scientific Research to establish and lead a new Biomedical Systems Core. This new core will provide expertise, infrastructure, and operational support for biomedical sample preparation specific to in vivo, tissue-based, and cellular imaging research. The core will work closely with researchers developing novel biomedical imaging technologies, providing training and assistance with specialized procedures and sample preparation methods that may require rigorous reproducibility, or fall outside the core expertise of individual research groups.
This position is well suited for a scientific professional with experience leading research operations relating to comparative medicine, or supporting in vivo, tissue- or cell-based research within an academic or research-intensive environment. The successful candidate will bring experience in in-vivo research support, protocol management, regulatory compliance, shared resource operations, and collaborative service delivery, while partnering closely with faculty, laboratory personnel, institutional resources, external collaborators, and vendors.
The Manager of Scientific Research will provide strategic and operational leadership by overseeing projects, processes, resources and staffing, and build the technical capabilities that enable the development and deployment of innovative imaging-based biomedical research. This role combines hands-on scientific collaboration with people leadership, resource planning, quality oversight, training, and the development of consistent and repeatable research practices.
What You Will Do
Build and lead the new Biomedical Systems Core , including defining its initial scope, developing technical and operational workflows, and adapting services as departmental needs evolve.
Support departmental in vivo and imaging-related research needs, including study planning, feasibility assessment, model coordination, protocol development and maintenance, sample collection, documentation, and troubleshooting.
Work closely with Comparative Medicine to manage and oversee a dedicated in vivo satellite space and procedure suite. Supervise and maintain an adjacent shared wet laboratory and tissue culture space, including scheduling, supplies, equipment readiness, maintenance, shared use, safety, and compliance.
Build and lead a team of 2-3 specialized staff that can collectively support development, optimization, and standardization of novel research procedures, including surgical techniques, preparations for in vivo imaging, behavioral testing, tissue and specimen preparation, and basic cell culture methods.
Facilitate collaborations with institutional cores and shared resources to develop and support needs relating to histology and immunohistochemistry, tissue clearing, tissue expansion, and other advanced sample preparation approaches.
Monitor emerging technologies and collaborate with external partners, consultants, and vendors to improve research projects, recommend and evaluate technologies, and support effective delivery and maintenance of services and resources.
Actively guide and monitor project execution to ensure timely and reliable delivery, including assisting with optimization, troubleshooting and interpretation of results.
Establish and maintain strong practices for training, recordkeeping, protocol documentation, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance within a shared research environment.
Build the technical capabilities of the core through direct participation, collaboration with institutional partners, and recruitment, supervision, coaching, and development of direct reports.
Set goals, provide feedback, support career development, and manage team performance to ensure consistent, high-quality scientific services and collaboration.
Assist with operational planning, resource allocation, and budget needs to support sustainable and responsive core…