"Kavli-Laukien Postdoctoral Fellowship"

Posted: 25-Oct-25

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Categories: Academic/Faculty, Other - Academic/Faculty

Internal Number: 15440

School: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area: Origins of Life Initiative

Position Description:

Applications are once again invited to the Kavli-Laukien Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Origins of Life Initiative at Harvard University. The Kavli-Laukien Fellowship program supports young developing independent scholars to pursue innovative research in the emerging field of origins of life science and astrobiology. It is expected that the Kavli-Laukien Fellows will be among the future leaders of this multidisciplinary field.

We invite applicants with PhD degrees (or anticipating one) drawn from all diverse science disciplines involved in the Harvard Origins of Life Initiative: from astrophysics and planetary science to chemistry and biology. Applicants are asked to choose a host department and mentor at Harvard, but are also strongly encouraged to bridge different research labs and departments, across science and campus. The Kavli-Laukien Fellows will be given the added opportunity (funded and encouraged) to collaborate with and visit groups in sister institutions (https://www.origins-federation.com/).

Applications consisting of a CV and a 4-page research statement are due by Friday, December 5, 2025. Applicants should arrange for three Letters of Reference to be emailed by Friday, December 5, 2025. Applicants should also confirm with their potential host – a Harvard faculty member, and ask them to send a confirmation email.

Applications and letters should be emailed to kelly.colbourn@cfa.harvard.edu

One offer will be made and new appointments should begin on or about September 1, 2026, but earlier starting dates are possible. The position is for one year, renewable for a second and third year, contingent on performance and funding.

Further information about the Harvard Origins of Life Initiative may be found at http://origins.harvard.edu/; please direct any questions on the application process to kelly.colbourn@cfa.harvard.edu

Compensation: $78000.00 (USD) w/ addition of 10k annual research funds

Included Benefits: Health, Dental, and Harvard Postdoc Benefits

Basic Qualifications: PhD degrees (or anticipating one)