Postdoctoral Fellow in Biology

Harvard University

Institution: Harvard Medical School (HMS)
Department: Cell Biology
Position: Postdoctoral Fellow in Cell Biology
Laboratory: Harper Lab (Dr. Wade Harper)
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Employment Type: Full-time, Salaried
Start Date: On or around September 1, 2026 (with some flexibility)
Application Deadline: July 17, 2026
Appointment Duration: One year, with the possibility of extension contingent upon work performance, business need, and continued funding

Position Description

We invite applicants for a postdoctoral fellow position in the Harper lab at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. Our laboratory works at the intersection of protein and organelle quality control, the ubiquitin system, and autophagy and its role in neurodegenerative disease. Through this systematic view, we seek to answer fundamental questions in cell biology and biochemistry:

  • What are the molecular pathways that contribute to organelle repair in response to damage, with a primary focus on the endolysosomal system and mitochondria?
  • What are the protein interaction networks that make up dynamic organelles?
  • How do familial mutations in key organellar systems promote diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease?

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Wade Harper to develop a research project within the scope of the lab focus. In addition to carrying out research, the successful candidate will be expected to:

  • Apply for fellowship funding.
  • Contribute to the writing of grants and manuscripts.
  • Participate in teaching and mentoring of lab members.
  • Contribute to overall lab operations and a collaborative environment.

Salary and Benefits

This position is salaried and benefits eligible.

Information regarding postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the number of years post PhD, and benefits can be found at:

https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines

With this appointment, you are represented by the Harvard Academic Workers (HAW) – UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions.

Basic Qualifications

  • Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or related fields.
  • Expertise in any of the following fields would be beneficial:
    • Mass spectrometry
    • Protein purification
    • Gene editing/cell engineering
    • Structural biology

Additional Qualifications

If visa sponsorship is needed, Harvard retains the discretion to determine which visa status is appropriate and whether a visa sponsorship application will ultimately be submitted, including payment of any applicable fees.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Research for PhD work
  • Cover Letter describing your interest in the lab and initial ideas for new research directions or projects you could undertake in the lab
  • A NOTE with names and contact information for three people who have agreed to serve as your reference

Optional Application Documents

  • Publication

Application Process

Please submit application documents through the ARIeS portal.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Selected candidates will be invited for in-person interviews involving a research presentation on past work.

Expected Dates

  • Application Deadline: July 17, 2026
  • Expected Start Date: On or around September 1, 2026 (with some flexibility)
  • Duration: One-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance, business need, and continued funding to support the position.

Contact Information

Wade Harper
Harvard Medical School
Department of Cell Biology
240 Longwood Ave.
Boston, MA 02115

Email: Wade_Harper@hms.harvard.edu

Salary Range

Salary and Benefits

This position is salaried and benefits eligible. Information regarding postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the number of years post PhD, and benefits can be found at:

https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines

References

  • Minimum Number of References Required: 3
  • Maximum Number of References Allowed: 3

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover Letter
  • Statement of Research
  • Note

Optional Documents

  • Publication
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