Cell and Molecular Biology: Gene Therapy and Vaccines, PhD

Cell and Molecular Biology

The Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group (CAMB) is an interdisciplinary graduate program, providing rigorous training in modern cell and molecular biology. Within this integrated program are six discipline areas: Cancer Biology (CB); Cell Biology, Physiology, and Metabolism (CPM); Developmental, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Biology (DSRB); Genetics and Epigenetics (G&E); Gene Therapy and Vaccines (GTV); and Microbiology, Virology, and Parasitology (MVP). Program faculty include 476 scientists from the Perelman School of Medicine, the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Dental Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Wistar Institute. The research efforts of these extraordinary scientists are diverse in their focus, experimental system, methodology, and represent the leading edge of basic and translational biomedical science.

Currently, 440 graduate students from colleges and universities around the nation and the world are enrolled in the program. Students select one discipline area based on their scientific interests yet have access to the full breadth of curricular and research opportunities provided by our large and diverse program. Our students participate in core courses in cell and molecular biology, specialized coursework in one or more discipline areas, and original hypothesis-driven thesis research. Upon completion of the PhD, they pursue successful research careers at top academic institutions, in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, and in other biomedicine-related career paths.

Our mission is to provide an exceptional mentored training experience to every student, providing a foundation for successful careers as leaders in biomedical research. We welcome prospective students who are dedicated to the search for new knowledge.

For more information: http://www.med.upenn.edu/camb/

Gene Therapy and Vaccines

The Gene Therapy and Vaccines Program focuses on the use of animal and human gene transfer for therapeutic purposes and for vaccination. Program faculty conduct research in basic cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, molecular physiology, virology, and immunology. While the goals of the research are disease-based with the objective of developing prophylactic and therapeutic applications, student training focuses on a basic understanding of disease pathobiology and achieving efficient and effective gene transfer in humans. This includes cellular therapies such as CAR-T cell therapies. Students contribute to research of cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, lysosomal storage disease, inherited blindness, cancer, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, malignancies, immunodeficiencies, and autoimmune diseases. Study of vaccines for prophylactic, as well as therapeutic applications, are emphasized. Students participate in a monthly research seminar series and present their work in a bi-weekly research-in-progress seminar.

For more information: https://www.med.upenn.edu/camb/gtv.shtml

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.

Required Courses 

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.

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Or other statistics course with approval of the Graduate Group.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Sample Plan of Study