Join Us
The lab opens at Lehigh University in Fall 2026 — every early hire helps shape its direction and culture.
Open positions
Postdoctoral Researcher
A two-year position (renewable) for a PhD-level scientist with strong cell biology, molecular biology, or computational biology training. The projects sit at the interface of molecular evolution and chromosome biology — we expect candidates to integrate lab's core questions while bringing their own ideas.
Research Technician / Lab Manager
A foundational role for a BS/MS-level scientist who wants to help build a new lab from day one. You will run molecular biology and cell culture experiments, manage shared reagents and the mouse colony, and train incoming students. Excellent springboard for anyone planning graduate or medical school.
PhD students
We welcome curious, motivated students from biology, genetics, biochemistry, or computational backgrounds. Apply through the Lehigh Department of Biological Sciences graduate program — and email Damian to talk about a rotation project before you apply. Each student helps shape the lab's research direction and culture.
Undergraduate researchers
Students who stay with the lab for multiple semesters and contribute significantly typically co-author publications — three of Damian's prior undergrads went on to PhD programs at MIT, Cornell, and Jefferson University. If you want serious research experience and the chance to be on a paper, get in touch.
External fellowships I'll help you write
Securing a fellowship sharpens the science, frees up the lab budget, and travels with you. I will work closely with you on drafts, feedback, and mock review. Below are the fellowships most relevant to chromosome biology, cell biology, and evolutionary genetics.
- HFSP Long-Term / Cross-Disciplinary LOI initiation early May, LOI mid-May, full proposal late Sep
- EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship Two rounds per year: 4th Friday Jan, 2nd Friday Jul
- Branco Weiss Fellowship Annual · Jan 15 deadline · any host worldwide
- SNSF Postdoc.Mobility For Swiss-trained PhDs · two rounds per year
- NIH F32 (Kirschstein-NRSA) Three rounds per year (Apr 8 · Aug 8 · Dec 8)
- Life Sciences Research Foundation (LSRF) Annual · Oct 31 deadline · basic biology
- Helen Hay Whitney Foundation Annual · mid-Jun deadline · basic biomedical
- Jane Coffin Childs (JCC Fund) Annual · Feb 1 deadline · basic biomedical
- NSF GRFP Annual · late Oct · US citizens / nationals / PRs
- NIH F31 Predoctoral Fellowship Three rounds per year (Apr 8 · Aug 8 · Dec 8)
- HHMI Gilliam Fellowship Annual · opens Sep 1 · check Lehigh institutional eligibility
- Hertz Foundation Fellowship Annual · Oct 31 deadline · applied STEM focus
My commitment as a mentor
Joining a brand-new lab is exciting but it can also feel uncertain. Here's what I commit to — the same things I valued during my own training across.
Work-life balance
I encourage work efficiency not "long hours".
Weekly 1:1 meetings
We will talk science, troubleshoot, and plan your next steps.
Career planning
We will develop skills to help you reach your career goals.
Funding for development
I will promote you and your work at conferences and help you participate.
A real network
I will help you find the right collaborators and co-mentors.
Authorship transparency
If you contributed substantially, you're an author.
Get in touch
Interested in any of the above? Or just curious about the science? Email dad526@lehigh.edu with a short note about your background and what you find interesting in the lab — I read every email myself.
Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18015