Postdoctoral Fellow Opportunity Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation. At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care—and your career. CHOP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or any other legally protected categories in any employment, training, or vendor decisions or programs. CHOP recognizes the critical importance of a workforce rich in varied backgrounds and experiences and engages in ongoing efforts to achieve that through equally varied and non-discriminatory means. A Brief Overview Under the direction/guidance of a mentor (principal investigator), assumes responsibility for a specific, on-going research project. The experience will serve to extend, refine and enhance skills necessary for professional and career development, and will enable the individual to broaden his/her scientific background by acquiring new research capabilities. It is expected that this individual will conduct independent scholarly research, and will contribute directly to the overall research goals of the project and the research group. This role will be expected to participate in project planning, recording and interpretation/evaluation of data, and communication of results. This position will also be expected to acquire technical, lab management, and manuscript/grant writing skills; and participate in seminars, lectures, poster sessions and presentations at national meetings. This role also may be required to supervise junior lab members, develop new methods and protocols for research, and assist with the development of other research projects in the lab. About the Laboratory Genome Editing & Red Cell Engineering The Pavani Lab at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) seeks a motivated postdoctoral fellow to join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team focused on genome editing and red cell engineering for translational research. The successful candidate will lead projects that apply CRISPR/Cas9 and other genome engineering approaches in mammalian cell systems, with the goal of advancing novel therapeutic strategies and improve blood transfusions. Location Philadelphia, PA Appointment: Full-time, fixed-term postdoctoral position (typical 1–3 years, renewable)
Start date: Flexible; position open until filled
Key Responsibilities:
Design, optimize, and execute genome-editing experiments (CRISPR/Cas systems, base editors, prime editors, or equivalent) in mammalian cells.
Develop and maintain cell cultures, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and immortalized lines.
Perform genome engineering workflows: vector design and cloning, transfection/electroporation, editing efficiency and genotyping assays.
Characterize edited cells using flow cytometry (including sorting), immunophenotyping, and functional assays.
Prepare next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays for on-/off-target analysis and deep sequencing of edited loci; analyze sequencing data.
Troubleshoot experiments, optimize protocols, and maintain rigorous documentation and lab records.
Present data at internal meetings and conferences; contribute to manuscript and grant preparation.
Basic Qualifications:
(Required) PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field (or equivalent by start date).Demonstrated hands-on experience with genome editing techniques (CRISPR/Cas or similar).Strong experience in mammalian cell culture and experimental manipulation. Practical experience with flow cytometry (sample prep, acquisition, and analysis).Ability to design experiments, analyze data quantitatively, and communicate findings clearly.
Preferred Qualifications:- (Highly Desirable)
- Experience with next-generation sequencing workflows relevant to genome editing (amplicon-seq, targeted sequencing, library prep) and basic bioinformatic analysis of NGS data.
- Previous work with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) — culture, maintenance, differentiation, or genetic manipulation.
- Familiarity with erythropoiesis and flow cytometry
- Experience in vector design, and safe handling of viral vectors (Lenti).Track record of publications in the genome engineering or cell therapy fields.
- Strong organizational skills, ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams, and mentoring experience with junior trainees.
What You Will Do:- Conduct independent scholarly research and develop new methods and protocols
- Participate in project planning, recording and evaluation of data
- Acquire technical, lab management and grant writing skills
- Participate in seminars, lectures, poster sessions and presentation at national meetings
- Supervise junior lab members
- Assist with other research projects
- Education Qualifications
- Doctorate Required
Skills and Abilities:
Ability to wear a respirator device To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must receive an annual influenza vaccine. Salary ranges are shown for full-time jobs. If you're working part-time, your pay will be adjusted accordingly. At CHOP, we are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the salary range noted in this job posting.
