HMS - Postdoctoral Fellow in Genetics

HMS - Postdoctoral Fellow in Genetics

Company:
Harvard University

Job Location:
Cambridge, 02138

Category:
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Type:
Full-Time

School: Harvard Medical School

Department/Area: HMS Genetics

Position Description

The laboratory of Dr. Yankner at Harvard Medical School is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to investigate the molecular genetics and neurobiology underlying microglial and oligodendrocyte function in the context of aging, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer's disease. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and collaborative research environment focused on uncovering the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving cognitive decline and neurodegenerative processes.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct biochemical, genetic, and transcriptomic analyses of key regulators of brain aging using mouse and cerebral organoid models.
• Design and perform experiments to study the roles of microglia and oligodendrocytes in neurodegeneration and cognitive function.
• Analyze high-dimensional data to identify molecular pathways and targets relevant to Alzheimer's disease and age-related decline.
• Collaborate with lab members and external researchers to advance shared projects and publications.
• Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, grant proposals, and presentations.
• Mentor junior researchers and assist in training lab members in experimental techniques and data analysis.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in areas such as neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field. Strong background in neurobiology, systems biology, or neurodegenerative disease models.
• Prior experience with transcriptomic or molecular analyses in cell culture or animal model systems.

Special Instructions

Required 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.
• Note with names and contact information for three people who have agreed to serve as your reference

Please submit application documents through the ARIeS portal. Applications will be considered. Selected candidates will be invited for in-person interviews involving a research presentation on past work.

Expected Dates

• Application deadline: 5/1/2026
• Start date: The position is expected to start on or around 6/1/2026 with some flexibility.
• Duration: This is a 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

Genetics Hire Team

Contact Email: Yachao_Wang@hms.harvard.edu; bruce_yankner@hms.harvard.edu

Salary Range

Information regarding the postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the number of years post-PhD, can be found at https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines.

Minimum Number of References Required: 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed: 6

Apply Now