Associate Scientist - Kumar Laboratory

The Kumar Laboratory within the Department of Host-Microbe Interactions at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital investigates how medications and host immune factors remodel the gut microbiome. The laboratory is seeking an experienced Associate Scientist to manage in vivo research workflows, execute complex experimental tasks, and assist with general laboratory operations. The successful candidate will work with high scientific independence across germ-free, gnotobiotic, and conventional animal models. Responsibilities also include data synthesis, manuscript preparation, and providing direct mentorship and technical training to junior staff.

• Lead in vivo modeling operations by coordinating and executing experiments across germ-free, gnotobiotic, and conventional animal colonies.
• Independently design, optimize, and execute complex experiments in molecular biology, anaerobic bacteriology, culturomics, and microbial genetics.
• Manage daily laboratory operations including procurement, vendor relations, equipment calibration, and maintenance of safety protocols and compliance documents.
• Process and analyze experimental data, and contribute significantly to drafting manuscripts, figures, and grant applications.
• Provide technical mentorship, protocol training, and day-to-day operational support to junior laboratory personnel and students.