Postdoctoral Fellow - Doerfler Lab

Overview

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) is the largest blood-focused research institute in the United States. With over 30 basic, translational, and clinical investigators, the institute is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative therapies related to blood and blood disorders. The institute's research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including transfusion medicine, cellular therapy, thrombosis/hemostasis, immunology, and hematologic malignancies.

As a vital part of Versiti, a non-profit organization with a blood bank at its core, the VBRI strives to improve lives through innovative research and the development of novel diagnostics and treatments.

VBRI is part of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus, a rapidly growing clinical‑translational research hub. VBRI’s proximity to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Childrens’ Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert Hospital facilitates seamless interdisciplinary collaborations. A range of exemplary core facilities support highly competitive research. In the summer of 2024, construction of a new research building began, doubling existing VBRI research space to enable the recruitment of 10–15 new faculty.

With its renowned researchers, strategic expansion plans and location in a highly collaborative environment, the VBRI is poised to maintain and expand its position as one of the leading hematology institutes in the world.

Under the direction of a Principal Investigator, further develops and expands understanding of scientific theory in his/her area of interest. Incumbent also learns and applies scientific laboratory techniques and gains experience in other areas of research that will lead to increased probability of success as an independent scientist. This is a training position with an expected duration of 1 – 3 years.

The Doerfler Lab is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join a research program focused on the molecular regulation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in sickle cell disease (SCD). The lab integrates functional genomics, single‑cell multi‑omics, and genome engineering to study how regulatory elements at the β‑globin locus control γ‑globin expression and its variability across erythroid cells. This work combines mechanistic biology with translational relevance, leveraging primary human samples and collaborative clinical cohorts.

The postdoctoral fellow will lead projects aimed at defining how chromatin organization and cis‑regulatory architecture influence HbF expression. This includes applying and integrating bulk and single‑cell sequencing approaches (e.g., RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq, multiome) with CRISPR‑based perturbation in erythroid systems.

The role is designed for a scientist who wants to develop independence in both experimental design and data interpretation. The fellow will work closely with the PI while taking intellectual ownership of their project, contributing to study design, analysis, and overall scientific direction.

Benefits:
Versiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on your job classification. Full‑time regular employees are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short‑ and Long‑term disability, life insurance, 7% match dollar for dollar 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, others.

• Works with Principal Investigator to develop a research project.
• Executes laboratory experiments specific to the aims of the research.
• Troubleshoots assays and customizes experimental tools to answer research questions.
• Coordinates external and internal resources necessary for completion of the research plan.
• Provides direction to Technologists and Trainees.
• Generates clear and complete records of experimental work.
• Communicates results of research at meetings.
• Participates in publication and presentation of research.

• Adheres to BCW, Bio‑safety, NRC, OSHA procedures and regulations.
• Attends required laboratory meetings.
• Maintains currency with information relative to the field of research being performed.
• Serves as a resource for…