Postdoctoral Research Associate - Molecular Oncology

Postdoctoral Research Associate Position: Dr. Chunliang Li Lab, Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology.

The Li Lab in the Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research team.

The postdoctoral fellow candidate is expected to have a strong background in molecular biology and great enthusiasm for exploring scientific discovery in cancer biology. The successful candidate will leverage cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research technologies in drug-controlled, degradable, oncogene-induced mouse tumor models to study dysregulated transcription in oncogenesis, tumor maintenance, and metastasis.

Position Responsibilities:

The postdoctoral fellow will be encouraged and trained to develop all aspects of their independent research project, including conception and planning, experiments, interpretation, writing, and publication. Dr. Li will directly advise the fellow and oversee progress through scientific discussions, 1:1 meetings, lab meetings, and by providing all necessary resources. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to write grant proposals, give talks, and prepare scientific manuscripts under Dr. Li’ direct guidance. There may be opportunities to mentor appropriate summer students, rotation students, or interns.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

PhD or MD/PhD

Special Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

Required skills: Passion for science and thirst for knowledge. Strong laboratory skills in molecular biology and tissue culture. Experience with animal husbandry is highly encouraged. Collaborative personality, kind to others, and a team player.

Desired skills: Willingness to learn bioinformatics skills.

About Li Lab: Li’s lab research focuses on understanding dysregulated transcriptional regulation of oncogenes within the three-dimensional (3D) chromatin niche in cancer. We conducted hypothesis-driven studies in three independent and complementary directions, including (1) interrogating the complex function of the chromatin architecture maintenance in primary tumor by use of an unique acute protein degradation mouse model; (2) deploying functional genomics to investigate non-coding cis-regulatory elements, RNA-binding proteins and related lncRNAs in regulating oncogene expression under the three-dimensional chromatin niche; and (3) development of novel tumor models, new methods, and advanced technologies to facilitate the above research of gene regulation.

The homepage of Li Lab can be found at

Recent selected publications from Li Lab can be found below (2023-now)

If you are interested in applying this position, please submit:

A cover letter describing research interests and career goals

Curriculum vitae (CV)

Contact information for three references (or three letters of recommendation)

Applications and inquiries should be sent to View email address on aiapply.co.

We are in pursuit of the brightest minds in biomedical sciences, individuals poised to contribute to our research progress. Other than access to top-quality scientists and mentors, as a postdoctoral trainee at St. Jude, you will have:

A Blend of Academic Freedom and Industrial Efficiency: Access to shared resources and facilities led by expert scientists, coupled with cutting-edge technology, accelerates research productivity.

Customized Professional and Career Growth: Experience specifically designed programs to enhance professional growth and career readiness empowering postdocs for success beyond their training. This includes access to grant writing workshops, individual development plans, teaching and mentoring opportunities, non-research career advancement programs, professional development allowance, and so much more.

Competitive Compensation: Embark on your journey with a competitive salary starting at $72,500 a year, comprehensive benefits and generous relocation assistance, reflecting our commitment to recognize and invest in talent.

A Sense of Community: St. Jude fosters a vibrant postdoc community that supports a well-balanced life. A dynamic environment promotes connections and camaraderie among postdocs from all backgrounds.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a world-class research institution dedicated to pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases of childhood. The first and only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Our faculty work across the spectrum of basic, translational, clinical, and population science in a highly collaborative multidisciplinary environment that includes a Nobel laureate and members of the National Academy of Science and the National Academy of Medicine. St. Jude is ranked on Fortune Magazine’s “Best Workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma” and Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work,” and is located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, a vibrant and friendly city at the historic American crossroads of music, trade, food and culture.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.