About the department

The vision of the Oncology Department is to transcend boundaries to lead discovery and its translation into transformative clinical investigations, education, and compassionate patient care that will provide cures for childhood cancer and ensure quality of life across the patient’s lifespan.

Our Oncology faculty are world leaders in identifying novel drugs and treatment modalities, defining the clinical significance of recently discovered genetic abnormalities of cancer cells, understanding mechanisms of cancer development and drug resistance, identifying children at risk for the development of cancer, and understanding and preventing late effects of therapy. We aim to share our unique clinical expertise with colleagues nationally through our many clinical trial consortia and worldwide through our partnership with St. Jude Global. The ultimate goal of our research is to ensure that every child with cancer receives curative therapy and that this therapy allows them the potential for a healthy, long-lasting life.

About the Chair

Dr. Julie R. Park is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist who is interested in developing and advancing new approaches to childhood cancer therapy. Dr. Park received her MD from the University of Vermont and completed residency training in pediatrics at the University of Washington. Dr. Park then completed a fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology at the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. 

She has been funded as a Fellow for the Leukemia Society of America at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and an investigator on NCI and NIH grants. As a Member of the St. Jude Faculty and Chair of the Oncology Department, Dr. Park is interested in discovering the molecular and immunologic vulnerabilities of solid tumor malignancies, such as neuroblastoma, and using this information to inform clinical trials centered on novel therapies for children with relapsed or refractory high-risk tumors. 


Department directors

Meaghan Granger

Meaghan Granger, MD
Associate Member
Director of Oncology Clinical Medicine


Rebecca Gardner

Rebecca Gardner, MD
Associate Member
Director of Cellular Therapy Integration

In the news

Clinical

What’s the right way to talk about prognosis?

Heather Johnson

Researchers at St. Jude are investigating how to approach difficult conversations about prognosis with patients and their families.

Apply now to open faculty positions!

Divisions

Initiatives and Collaborations

  • Comprehensive Cancer Center

    St. Jude is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children.

Find out more

Cancer Genetics video
Cancer Genetics video
St. Jude On

Childhood cancer genetics: A legacy of groundbreaking work drives St. Jude forward

Alex Generous, PhD

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has a rich history of research on genetics stemming from the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project and reverberating through laboratories today.

Cancer Predisposition
Cancer Predisposition
St. Jude On

Genetic predispositions can drive cancer but are not destiny for patients

Alex Generous, PhD

Scientists at St. Jude are leading the way on understanding cancer predisposition and the way that inherited genetics can inform patient care.

St. Jude on Genetics Molecular Groups
St. Jude on Genetics Molecular Groups
St. Jude On

Genetics: The myth of the monolith: How molecular groups can improve cancer care

Erin Podolak, MA

St. Jude scientists are fueling progress by studying the molecular groups of different cancers.

Selected Publications

Fellowships

Operations team

Mary Griffin, Director of Operations

Shemika Jones, Manager Finance & Grants

Natalie Smith, MS, Manager, Administrative Operations


Strategic team

Alejandra Gonzalez Ruiz, MD, MIH, Senior Program Manager- Oncology Strategic Initiatives

Veronica Espinosa Medina, Program Coordinator, Oncology Strategic Initiatives

J.T. Webb, Program Coordinator, Communications

View current openings 

Posted May 08, 2025
Faculty Position, Department of Oncology, Director - Division of Cancer Survivorship
  • Memphis, TN
  • Oncology
  • Faculty
SJCRHJob DescriptionWe seek a highly motivated, clinician scientist candidate at the Associate or Member (Professor) level to serve as Director of the Division of Cancer Survivorship within the Department of Oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.The candidate should have an MD, MD/PhD or DO degree and Board certified or Board-eligible in pediatric hematology-oncology with further experience in survivorship, a proven track of excellence in academic potential, a strong interest in clinical/outcomes research, and be an expert in clinical care of pediatric and adolescent patients surviving cancer. The preferred candidate should also have experience in mentorship and fellowship training within the academic setting, and in incorporating quality and/or process improvement into clinical practice.This position will report directly to the Chair, Department of Oncology, lead clinical research, provide oversight and mentorship of division faculty.  The Cancer Survivorship Division Director will oversee the After Completion of Therapy Clinic, which provides follow-up care for eligible 5-year survivor of childhood cancer treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and supports numerous research initiatives focused on characterizing and improving outcomes after childhood cancer.  The Department of Oncology is comprised of seven Divisions inclusive of Leukemia-Lymphoma, Neuro-oncology, Solid Tumor, Palliative Care & Quality of Life, Cancer Predisposition, Cancer Survivorship, and Molecular Oncology. The Department is also closely aligned with the St. Jude NCI-funded Comprehensive Cancer Center, with each Oncology Division providing the opportunity for translation of basic and translation research. The Division of Cancer Survivorship has strong collaboration with our Department of Epidemiology including collaboration in the ongoing St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study and the Cancer Control and Survivorship Program with the St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center.The Department of Oncology provides a highly collaborative and interactive environment where faculty members have ample opportunities to participate in clinical, educational, and translational research initiatives.  As an integral team member of the division, each faculty member ensures alignment of individual goals with divisional, departmental, and institutional strategic goals and initiatives, pursues faculty development and promotes outstanding multidisciplinary care delivery and research activities.  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 listed on Glassdoor 100 Best Places to Work for the last 6 years 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. To apply: please submit a letter of inquiry and CV directly via the online application. St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity EmployerNo Search FirmsSt. 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.
Posted April 22, 2025
Faculty position, Department of Oncology – Neuro-Oncology Division
  • Memphis, TN
  • Oncology
  • Faculty
SJCRHWe seek a highly motivated, faculty-level (clinical track) candidate at the Associate or Assistant Member level with training in hematology-oncology, a proven track of excellence in academic potential, and a strong interest in clinical/translational research and clinical care activities. The preferred candidate should also have experience in mentorship and fellowship training within the academic setting, and in incorporating quality and/or process improvement into daily inpatient/outpatient clinical practice.This position will be in the Division of Neuro-Oncology and within the Department of Oncology.  The faculty member will report directly to the Director of the Neuro-Oncology Division and will provide Neuro-Oncology patients with state-of-the-art care,  participate in clinical research, and seek to optimize clinic operations around clinical research and patient well-being.Also, as an integral team member of the Department of Oncology, the faculty member will ensure alignment of individual goals with divisional, departmental, and institutional strategic goals and initiatives, pursue faculty development, and promote outstanding multidisciplinary care delivery and research activities across the entire department.  This position incorporates clinical education into daily practice to ensure the satisfactory learning experience of Neuro-Onc fellows, Hem-Onc fellows, residents, and medical school students who rotate through the neuro-oncology service.  The Department of Oncology is comprised of seven Divisions inclusive of Leukemia-Lymphoma, Neuro-oncology, Solid Tumor, Palliative Care & Quality of Life, Cancer Predisposition, Cancer Survivorship, and Molecular Oncology. The Department of Oncology is also closely aligned with the St. Jude NCI-funded Comprehensive Cancer Center, with each Oncology Division providing the opportunity for translation of basic and translation research. This department provides a highly collaborative and interactive environment where faculty members have ample opportunities to participate in clinical, educational, and translational research initiatives.  Candidates must have an MD, MD/PhD or DO degree and be Board certified or Board-eligible in pediatric hematology-oncology.  Successful candidates will have expertise in the areas of hematology and oncology, as the faculty member will be involved in clinical care. How to apply:Interested candidates should provide a CV directly onlineSt. Jude is an Equal Opportunity EmployerNo Search FirmsSt. 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.
Posted March 24, 2025
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Oncology -Patel Lab
  • Memphis, TN
  • Oncology
  • Postdoc
A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the lab of Anand G. Patel.Project Description: Our lab is interested in the control and regulation of intratumoral heterogeneity within pediatric cancers. In prior work, we have developed tools and methods to map the cellular diversity of pediatric tumors by adapting single-cell sequencing techniques to archival frozen tumors. In that work, we identified powerful developmental patterns that drive malignant cell state diversity. In rhabdomyosarcoma, we have identified key cell states that are drug-tolerant and drive recurrence. In current projects, we are working to elucidate how individual cell state identities are dynamically regulated during therapy and metastasis.Position Responsibilities:The postdoctoral fellow will work and, ultimately, will lead a multidisciplinary team focused on the study of rhabdomyosarcoma. Multiple projects are available, focused on the reciprocal interaction between tumor cells and the extracellular matrix, drivers of lineage plasticity in fusion-positive rhabdomyosarcoma, and regulators of tumor stem-like hierarchies in mixed cell populations. The fellow will be expected to develop skills in cell biology, single-cell sequencing, preclinical modeling, and epigenetic profiling. In addition to designing and performing experiments, the fellow will be expected to coordinate collaborations and prepare manuscripts for publication. Trainees will have access to professional development opportunities, including training in scientific communication, manuscript publication, and grant writing. The fellow will be encouraged (but not required) to prepare and submit grant proposals.Minimum Education and/or Training:The candidate should have a strong background in cancer biology, cell biology, or related fields. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in biology or computational biology.Special Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:Experience in cell culture, epigenomics/transcriptomics, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and/or cell culture are desirable. Candidates with additional expertise in 3D cell culture, xenografting, and/or single-cell sequencing would be highly competitive. Bioinformatic experience would be welcomed, though no prior expertise is required for this position. Candidates should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, be open to developing new and cutting-edge methods, and be highly motivated.About the lab and St. Jude:Upon completion of this postdoctoral fellowship, trainees are expected to be independent and prepared to be leaders in their field of choice. The Patel lab is a multidisciplinary group, and we bridge concepts from molecular biology, computational data science, mechanobiology, pharmacology and translational medicine. Trainees will have access to the deep technical expertise in the lab and participate in wide range of collaborations including other biologists, clinicians, computational biologists, and mathematicians.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 300 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.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 is an Equal Opportunity EmployerNo Search FirmsSt. 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.
Posted March 24, 2025
Director Computational Research
  • Memphis, TN
  • Oncology
  • Computational Research
The Director Computational Research leads and manages large/critical complex areas or teams within the department related to Computational Research. Contributes to the overall research strategy and drives implementation in line with Computational Research objectives. This role will also drive resource planning and process development and implementation in line with strategic priorities and support the Computational Research leadership teams.The DISCOVER Director of Computational Research leads and manages large/critical complex areas or teams within the Department of Oncology related to Computational Research. This position will develop and lead the Data Integration and Scientific Collaboration to enable the Virtual Exploration of Childhood CanceR (DISCOVER) research team. This position contributes to the overall research strategy, drives implementation, resource planning and process development in line with Departmental and Institutional Data Science objectives. This position will report directly to the Division Director of Neuro-Oncology and will work closely with the Chair of the Department of Oncology.  DISCOVER is a new and exciting project that aims to build a platform that seamlessly integrates complex clinical and molecular data from pediatric patients with cancer into an easy-to-use visualization tool for instant data query and analytics. To accomplish this, demographics, staging, treatment, outcomes, radiologic, and histologic information will be combined with in depth tumor and germline multi-omic information.  This information will then be abstracted from clinical and research records, imported into a HIPAA compliant unified database, and categorized into an expert-guided data dictionary. Once curated, the aim is to comprehensively display this data on an interactive portal using advanced visualization techniques developed here at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Consequently, this project will drive laboratory, translational, and clinical research discovery across the entire landscape of pediatric cancer.  The DISCOVER team will be comprised of Bioinformatics, Visualization Bioinformatics, and Data Abstraction and Analyst teams. We are seeking a team leader who excels at developing and managing mid-size teams, is skilled at matrix management, and is highly collaborative.  It is essential that candidates have a bachelor’s degree in data science or a related field. It is strongly preferred that candidates have a master’s degree or doctorate (PhD) in data science.  Successful candidates will have expertise in the areas of database development, extraction of complex health-related data, computational research experience in the academic and/or industry settings, have a proven track record of academic productivity including clinical research collaborations, and experience managing and leading interdisciplinary teams. About the Department of Oncology The Department of Oncology provides a highly collaborative and interactive environment where leadership has ample opportunities to participate in clinical, educational, and translational research initiatives. The department has a diverse portfolio of investigator initiated and collaborative studies. Utilizing quantitative and qualitative methodologies, the department has had a steady track record of high productivity disseminating knowledge via presentations and publications, as well as successful grantsmanship. The Department of Oncology is committed to multidisciplinary collaboration for both clinical and research activities.    Job Responsibilities:  Lead and manage large/critical complex areas/teams Contribute to the overall research strategy and roadmap, and drive implementation in line with DISCOVER data science and computational objectives. Drive resource planning and process development/implementation in line with strategic priorities and support the DISCOVER data science and computational leadership team. Collaborate with key leaders in internal functions and partner/vendor organizations to optimize organizational outcomes. Lead systems for governance, monitoring, review, and control of processes and functions performed by the department. Provide input into overall budget and variance management for departmental initiatives. Actively drive processes for team management in terms of goal setting, performance, development, and engagement.  Minimum Education and/or Training:   Bachelor's degree in relevant field with experience and evidence of research output (typically first author publications). Master's degree or higher preferred.  Minimum Experience:   10+ years of relevant experience in functional area within Data Science and/or Computational Research. Experience managing mid-large teams with focus on both achievement of objectives as well as critical skill-building. Experience having led large-scale research programs/projects/processes through to implementation. Experience with operational management, budget planning, and resource management. Prior experience in building external connections with peers and emerging technology/research communities. Significant publication record and/or prior development of data science implementation tools demonstrating relevant experience. Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role.   Special Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:   Ability to look at data more critically and draw meaningful conclusions. Conducts root-cause analysis as needed.  Quickly rebounds from setbacks, including creating viable plans to move forward.  Helps others understand the need for change and adapt to it.  Effectively relays understanding of diverse perspectives.  Can handle communication upwards and downwards as needed.  Presents information in a clear, well thought out way and tailored to the audience.  Shows support for the new direction even when the details have not been finalized.  Spots early indications of underperformance and takes corrective actions. Celebrates successes.  Works with partners inside his/her function to find the best solutions that align with functional priorities. Is easy to work with to find solutions.  Familiar with intermediate domain concepts relevant to work area.  Routinely applies domain and data science subdomain knowledge to propose solutions to domain problems.  Continues growing in domain knowledge using scientific journals, talks, and conferences.  Can routinely use domain knowledge to assess quality of data/results  Can answer questions in the domain from early career staff.  May contribute to publications and present work as required.  Leverages a strong understanding of computational research methodologies and operations to deliver work and address operational needs.  Is able to understand research requirements and execute relevant procedures independently.  Independently handles escalations related to process and quality in own area of work.  Engages with cross-functional and senior stakeholders across teams to share relevant insights.  Presents technical information/scientific insights in a structured way, anticipating and preparing for questions.  Demonstrates ability to independently prioritize data necessary for internal/external presentations and publications and drafts portions of these documents.  Drives practical application of research methodologies in own scientific area and other adjacent scientific areas.  Works independently with new technologies and brings new technologies to the attention of peers and leaders for further exploration   CompensationIn 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 $138,320 - $262,080 per year for the role of Director Computational Research.Explore our exceptional benefits!St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity EmployerNo Search FirmsSt. 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.

Contact us

Department of Oncology
MS 260, Room C6056
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105-3678

Email: julie.park@stjude.org
Telephone: (901) 595-4329
Fax: (901) 521-1751

Preferred contact method: email