Postdoctoral Fellow – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology, Genome Editing, and Genome Integrity

Versiti, Inc. • Wauwatosa, WI

7d

About The Position

Versiti is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join a research program studying how human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) respond to therapeutic genome editing. The program examines cellular mechanisms that determine the safety, functional consequences, and long-term outcomes of genetic interventions in hematopoietic stem cells, combining stem cell biology, DNA damage responses, cell-cycle regulation, mitotic signaling, functional genomics, and genome engineering. Research uses primary human CD34+ HSPCs, genome-editing systems, molecular and cellular analyses, and functional assays, and is supported by NIH-funded projects and collaborations.

The fellow will lead mechanistic studies of how genome editing affects HSPC signaling, cell-cycle progression, mitotic behavior, and cell fate. Projects include investigating DNA damage responses and their interaction with cell-cycle checkpoints and mitotic surveillance, including the regulation and localization of proteins involved in chromosome segregation and genome maintenance. Related work explores whether genome editing causes persistent changes in epigenetic state and cellular memory. The fellow may contribute to interconnected projects while developing an independent research direction.

The position is based in an interdisciplinary research environment at the Versiti Blood Research Institute and Medical College of Wisconsin, with shared resources and expertise in hematopoiesis, genome engineering, flow cytometry, single-cell genomics, and advanced microscopy. The laboratory emphasizes rigorous mechanistic research, collaboration, and development of independent investigators.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, hematology, stem cell biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in cellular or molecular mechanisms of cell-cycle regulation, DNA damage responses, chromosome biology, or stem cell biology.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute hypothesis-driven research projects.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques and quantitative experimental approaches.
• Experience with flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, or live-cell imaging.
• Strong critical-thinking, communication, and scientific writing skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells or other primary stem cell systems.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing.
• Background in mitosis, chromosome segregation, DNA damage signaling, or cell-cycle checkpoint regulation.
• Familiarity with chromatin biology, epigenetic regulation, or functional genomics.
• Experience analyzing genomic or transcriptomic datasets.
• Proficiency in R, Python, or other tools for quantitative data analysis.
• Strong interest in fundamental mechanisms of stem cell biology and genome integrity.
• Ability to think beyond experimental outcomes to develop mechanistic explanations.
• Initiative in identifying new research questions and taking intellectual ownership of projects.
• Willingness to engage in rigorous discussion, constructive feedback, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Interest in developing scientific independence, manuscript preparation, grant writing, and mentorship skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute hypothesis-driven studies examining cellular responses to genome editing in human HSPCs.
• Investigate DNA damage responses, cell-cycle regulation, mitotic signaling, and chromosome segregation following genetic perturbation.
• Characterize cellular outcomes of genome editing, including micronucleus formation, chromosome abnormalities, cell-cycle progression, and cell fate.
• Apply genome-editing approaches, molecular biology, flow cytometry, imaging, and functional assays to investigate mechanisms of HSPC stress responses.
• Investigate changes in chromatin organization, epigenetic regulation, and persistence of cellular states following genome editing.
• Work with primary human CD34+ HSPCs and relevant hematopoietic model systems.
• Integrate molecular, cellular, and genomic datasets to develop and test mechanistic hypotheses.
• Interpret results, refine experimental approaches, and establish new directions in collaboration with the PI and research collaborators.
• Prepare manuscripts, present findings at scientific meetings, and contribute to grant development.
• Contribute to mentoring junior trainees and maintaining a collaborative research environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans for eligible full-time regular employees.
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays for eligible full-time regular employees.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance for eligible full-time regular employees.
• Life insurance for eligible full-time regular employees.
• 401(k) with a 7% dollar-for-dollar match for eligible full-time regular employees.
• Voluntary programs and discount programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree