Senior Assay Development Scientist Jobs in Tennessee

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world-class pediatric research hospital. Every one of our professionals shares a commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve, including those from across the globe.
The Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist supports patient care through the development, evaluation, validation, implementation, and optimization of assays, reagents, instruments, and testing systems related to the detection and characterization of infectious disease agents, with a particular emphasis on bacterial and fungal pathogens. This role serves as a technical resource within Clinical Microbiology and contributes to advanced testing initiatives, assay development, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), method validation, and implementation of emerging diagnostic technologies.
Key Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, validate, verify, and optimize new and existing microbiology assays, test systems, reagents, instruments, and workflows to support clinical diagnostic services.
• Apply a broad range of established and emerging microbiological methodologies for the detection, identification, characterization, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of infectious disease agents.
• Utilize technologies and methodologies including, but not limited to:
  • Manual and automated biochemical testing
  • Gradient diffusion methods
  • Broth and agar dilution or microdilution techniques
  • Flow cytometry
  • Mass spectrometry and related analytical platforms
  • Morphokinetic and microbial characterization technologies
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning-based analytical approaches
  • Digital and visual diagnostic modalities
• Design and execute evaluation, validation, and verification studies, including development of project plans, workflows, timelines, and data management tools.
• Independently manage assigned projects while collaborating with laboratory leadership and technical staff to advance section goals and priorities.
• Provide technical expertise in troubleshooting existing assays and instrumentation and contribute to assay selection, study design, and implementation of new diagnostic approaches.
• Facilitate the transition of new or modified methods into clinical operations through staff training, technical support, development of quality control processes, and preparation of standard operating procedures.
• Support ongoing assay performance through development and maintenance of quality control materials, calibrators, validation documentation, and performance monitoring activities.
• Maintain accurate records and communicate technical findings, project outcomes, literature reviews, and scientific data through written reports, presentations, meetings, publications, and other professional forums.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement within Clinical Microbiology.

• Demonstrated experience with method validation, verification, assay implementation, data analysis, and quality management principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), including broth microdilution methodologies.
• Experience with assay development, validation, verification, and implementation in a clinical laboratory environment particularly in Microbiology.
• Experience leading or coordinating technical projects and laboratory initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to develop project plans, manage timelines, and supervise complex laboratory studies.
• Experience with emerging diagnostic technologies, automated microbiology systems, mass spectrometry platforms, artificial intelligence applications, or advanced microbial characterization methods.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor's degree in medical technology/medical laboratory science or in one of the biological, chemical, or physical sciences and completion of a medical laboratory training program required.
• Master's degree in Clinical Lab Science or PhD preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• 6+ years of medical laboratory experience.
• Experience Exceptions: Master's degree in Clinical Lab Science with 4+ years of experience (OR) PhD with 2+ years of experience.
• Substantial experience in lab equipment operations, medical laboratory techniques, and execution of specialized lab test procedures.
• Substantial experience in data collection and analysis.
• Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proven performance in earlier role/ comparable role.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:

• None

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:

• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS from the ASCP, NRCC, ABB, ASCPi (if taken after January 2015) is required within six (6) months of hire if not licensed in Tennessee as a medical laboratory professional.
• Acceptable licenses are Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Technologist (MT), Medical Laboratory Supervisor-General or Categorical Supervisor, Special Analyst or Categorical Technologist in assigned laboratory section.

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 $34.00 - $61.00 per hour for the role of Sr Medical Lab Scientist-Clinical Microbiology.
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St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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