"Postdoctoral Fellow"

Postdoctoral Fellow

Company: Harvard University

Job Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

Category: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Type: Full-Time

School: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Department/Area: Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Position Description

The Le Pen Lab at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH) is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to our research on innate immunity to RNA viruses (https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/le-pen-lab/).

Our Research

We study innate immunity to RNA viruses in humans and invertebrate models (including C. elegans), as well as host evolution and viral immune evasion strategies.

Approaches

• Virus-Host Interactions: Using EMS mutagenesis and CRISPR screens, we identify key genetic factors influencing virus infection and follow up to determine their mechanisms.
• Genetic Variation & Immunity: Through collaborations with field biologists and human geneticists, we investigate how genetic diversity shapes individual responses to viral infections and vaccines, bridging basic science with translational medicine.

The research environment

The lab was just established in December 2024, and the successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the group's direction and culture.

We benefit from a renowned research environment at the HSPH, with outstanding staff support. The successful candidate will join a vibrant community of scientists in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases. Additionally, we have a secondary affiliation with the Harvard Medical School Department of Microbiology and are part of the Harvard Program in Virology.

Ideal applicants will be expected to develop a research program that is original but fits within the general priorities of the group and funded grants, taking into account the relevant literature, own experience, and advice from other scientists.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity for professional development through support for attending conferences, giving talks, writing proposals, and mentoring, among other activities.

Basic Qualifications

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., immunology, virology, genetics, molecular biology, or a related discipline).
• Strong skills in experimental design, data analysis, and oral and written communication.
• Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques.
• Highly creative, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong skills in cell culture and/or C. elegans culture.
• Proven success in publishing research papers.
• Expertise in virology is a plus.
• Expertise in bioinformatics is a plus.

Contact Information

To apply for this position: please contact Jeremie Le Pen by email: jlepen@hsph.harvard.edu with CV, letter of interest, and names of at least three references.

Contact Email: jlepen@hsph.harvard.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks to find, develop, promote, and retain the world's best scholars. We are committed to upholding the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our school and the communities we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.

Minimum Number of References Required: 3