The Logsdon Lab (logsdonlab.com) at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research fellow to design and engineer human artificial chromosomes for basic research and translational applications.

Human artificial chromosomes, or HACs, are DNA constructs that can form a functional centromere and be maintained as a mini-chromosome in the cell. They have many advantages over other gene therapy approaches because they provide genes to the cell without interfering with the host genome (like viruses do, for example). Dr. Logsdon has previously designed HACs with non-repetitive centromeres (Logsdon et al., Cell, 2019) and identified ways for them to form efficiently in human cells (Gambogi et al., Science, 2024). Dr. Logsdon is now seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to design new types of HACs that can carry genes that functionally complement genetic deficiencies in human cells.

Essential Duties

• Work with Dr. Logsdon to design and engineer a human artificial chromosome with a minimal centromere and diverse set of genes
• Perform molecular biology, cell culture, and fluorescence microscopy experiments to determine whether the human artificial chromosome is being maintained in human cells and expressing genes
• Present research at lab meetings, departmental seminars, and conferences
• Write and publish results as a first author in abstracts, posters, and manuscripts
• Apply for postdoctoral fellowships to gain experience with writing grants and obtaining funding

Qualifications

Minimum requirements:

• Ph.D. in a biological science by the time of appointment
• A strong record of academic productivity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to successfully complete projects independently

Applicants who have experience with the following are especially encouraged to apply:

• High-molecular-weight (HMW) DNA isolation
• Cloning
• Cell culture
• Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
• Fluorescence microscopy

Department/School

Department of Genetics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

Contact

Interested individuals should email Dr. Glennis Logsdon (glogsdon@pennmedicine.upenn.edu) with a description of your previous research experience and interests, a CV, and contact information of three references (name, position, title, organization, email, and phone number).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $65,000.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Philadelphia, PA 19104: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person