Research Postdoctoral Fellow - Virus-Host Interactions

A Brief Overview

Assume responsibility for an on-going, innovative research project as a Postdoctoral Fellow at CHOP. Our postdoc experience will broaden your skillset, scientific background, and research capabilities.

CHOP's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
CHOP is committed to building an inclusive culture where employees feel a sense of belonging, connection, and community within their workplace. We are a team dedicated to fostering an environment that allows for all to be their authentic selves. We are focused on attracting, cultivating, and retaining diverse talent who can help us deliver on our mission to be a world leader in the advancement of healthcare for children.

We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

About the Laboratory

A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available in the lab of Dr. Matthew Weitzman. Our lab aims to understand host responses to virus infection and the cellular environment encountered and manipulated by viruses. We study multiple viruses in an integrated experimental approach that combines biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and cell biology. Our research addresses fundamental questions of how viruses create conditions conducive to their own reproduction by shaping host cell environments, particularly with regards to genome interactions. We use viruses as model systems to study DNA repair, RNA processing, signaling, cell biology, replication, innate host defenses and gene delivery. We are particularly interested in recognition and processing of viral genomes by DNA repair pathways and how viruses overcome host restriction factors. We are using DNA virus systems to study signaling, post-translational modifications, ubiquitination and degradation, and transcriptional silencing. Viral model systems include adeno-associated virus (AAV), adenovirus (Ad) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). We have discovered cellular antiviral defenses, identified viral strategies to manipulate host processes, and developed viral vectors for gene delivery.

The successful applicant will become part of a highly interactive and collaborative team. Applicants must have a Doctoral degree in a related discipline with good skills in molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology, and a strong motivation to learn new techniques and research topics. A background in virology and/or DNA repair would be advantageous. It is expected that this individual will conduct independent scholarly research, and will contribute to the overall research goals of the project and the research group. The postdoc 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. Postdocs will be expected to participate in project planning, recording and interpretation/evaluation of data, and communication of results. Postdocs 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. Postdoctoral fellows are also 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.

Further details can be found at:

https://www.chop.edu/doctors/weitzman-matthew-d

https://pathology.med.upenn.edu/department/people/517/matthew-d-weitzman

https://hosting.med.upenn.edu/epigenetics/people/matt-weitzman-ph-d/

Responsibilities

• Participate in project planning, recording, and evaluation of data.

• Conduct independent scholarly research, developing new methods and protocols under the guidance of a mentor (principal investigator).

• Acquire technical, lab management, and grant writing skills.

• Participate in seminars, lectures, poster sessions, national presentations, and professional workshops.

• Supervise junior lab members.

• Assist with other research projects as needed.

Education

• Required: Doctorate