"HMS - Postdoctoral Associate in Genetics"

Position Description

We invite applications for a Research Associate position in the Perrimon Lab at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. The work of the Perrimon Lab is focused on uncovering the fundamental mechanisms governing insect cell membrane deformability, with an emphasis on molecular biology and virology approaches to study host–pathogen interactions. We welcome applications from candidates who are interested in these or related fields, particularly those who may bring a new technology or perspective to bear on the work in the lab.

This is a targeted search for candidates with strong expertise in molecular biology and virology, including experience with functional genomic screening (e.g., CRISPR-based or related screening approaches), viral infection models, and insect or arthropod cell culture systems.

The successful candidate will work with Norbert Perrimon to develop and carry out research projects within the scope of the lab's research focus. The position will focus on completing and publishing a RiSPr screen on vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection, and on working closely with Jonathan Abraham's laboratory to conduct functional genetic screens in Anopheles cell lines for arboviruses (such as Zika and yellow fever viruses). The successful candidate will also help establish CRISPR-based screening platforms in tick cell lines for studies of innate immunity pathways in Ixodes.

The Research Associate will lead and develop research programs in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of geneticists, microbiologists, virologists, and bioinformaticians. In addition to carrying out research, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the writing of grants and manuscripts, participate in teaching and mentoring of lab members as needed, and otherwise contribute to the overall lab operations and collaborative environment. A strong sense of collaboration and high levels of self-motivation, creativity, and open-mindedness are essential.

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 molecular biology, virology, microbiology, genetics, immunology, bioinformatics, or related fields.
  This is a targeted search. Strong expertise in functional genomic screening (e.g., CRISPR- or related screening platforms), viral infection models, and experience with insect or arthropod cell culture systems (e.g., Anopheles or tick cell lines) is highly desirable.

Contact Information

Genetics Hire Team: Litz Brown
Contact Email: elisabeth_brown@hms.harvard.edu