About the department

The Chemical Biology and Therapeutics (CBT) Department formulates innovative chemical and chemoinformatic solutions to resolve salient problems in biology and medicine. Fundamental research programs to uncover underlying biological processes are complemented by translational centers that house chemical synthesis, screening, and computational capabilities that mirror cutting-edge biotech/pharma operations, resources rarely accessible at academic institutions. 

The expertise and resources of CBT are leveraged across the institution, making it a highly dynamic and diverse collaborative hub at St. Jude. The scientific research arm of CBT is in an exciting growth phase; individuals with bold vision and demonstrated excellence in research at the interface of Chemistry, Biology, and Medicine are encouraged to join the team.



Research focus areas


CBT Collaborative Centers

Leading state-of-the-art chemistry technologies centers focus on collaborative research with St. Jude investigators to further our understanding of biological mechanisms that result in childhood diseases. The overarching goal is to translate this knowledge into new therapeutic opportunities. CBT centers form an integrated pipeline to bring chemistry to medicine at St. Jude. Collaborative projects involve a close partnership between the laboratory and the participating centers.


Departmental Team

Carolina Adura, PhD
  • Carolina Adura, PhD
  • Director of Research Operations
Aseem Z. Ansari, PhD
  • Aseem Z. Ansari, PhD
  • Chair, Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics
Candice Becton
  • Candice Becton
  • Administrative Specialist
Roxy Chirlow
  • Roxy Chirlow
  • Manager Grants and Research Administration
Lauren Haley
  • Lauren Haley
  • Administrative Coordinator
Madison Newton, MS
  • Madison Newton, MS
  • Scientific Visualization Engineer
Natalie Racine
  • Natalie Racine
  • Administrative Director
Cassandra Rytting
  • Cassandra Rytting
Martina Sigal, MD, PhD
  • Martina Sigal, MD, PhD
  • Manager Lab Operations
Toneshia Singletary
  • Toneshia Singletary
  • Administrative Specialist
Laura Wilt, PhD
  • Laura Wilt, PhD
  • Program Manager

Join us

St. Jude investigators have the freedom to focus on making big discoveries, backed by extraordinary resources and support teams. We are always looking for highly motivated scientists and engineers with passion and talent to join us!


Contact us

Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics

MS1000

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN, 38105-3678 USA
901-595-8087 SPCBTAdminOps@stjude.org
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN, 38105-3678 USA
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