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Postdoctoral Fellow in Earth and Planetary Sciences (Perez-Mercader Group)

Closes:

Salary: $67,600 – $73,116 per year

0

Position Details

Title: Postdoctoral Fellow in Earth and Planetary Sciences (Perez-Mercader Group)

School: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Position Description

Job Description:

The Laboratory of Dr. Juan Perez-Mercader in Harvard's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. Positions are available for candidates who hold a Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, biophysics, computer science, or a related field by the appointment start date who are interested in working in synthetic artificial biochemistry-free life mimics (life beyond biochemistry) or in chemical computation.

The appointment is for one year.

Responsibilities:

  1. Conduct experimental or computer modeling/phenomenology research on any of the following: (1) Polymer Chemistry and Self-assembly (e.g., PISA), (2) Non-biochemical Evolution of Chemical Complexity, (3) Non-biochemical Self-reproducing Chemical Systems, (4) Chemical Computation using Oscillatory Chemistry or Cellular Automata, and (5) Life as we don't know it.
  2. Publish and present research findings in high-quality scientific journals and conferences.
  3. Collaborate with PI and researchers on interdisciplinary research projects.
  4. Contribute to the preparation of research proposals.

Basic Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, biophysics, computer science, or a related field by the appointment start date.

Additional Qualifications

  1. Demonstrated record of research achievement.
  2. Strong written and oral communication skills.
  3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Special Instructions

Application Process:

Those interested in applying are invited to send a Interested candidates should submit a CV and a short statement of their scientific interests and description of their proposed work (limited to one page and specifically addressing only one of the five topics above) to Juan Perez-Mercader (jperezmercader@fas.harvard.edu) with a copy to Jennifer Scala (jscala@fas.harvard.edu).

Please submit the names and contact information of three professional references. Three recommendation letters are required for this position. All recommendation letters should be from experts at the ladder faculty ranks. References will receive a system-generated request to upload a letter.

Contact Information

Prof. Juan Perez-Mercader

Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences

Origins of Life Initiative

Hoffman Laboratories

Harvard University

20 Oxford Street

Cambridge, MA 02138-2902

Contact Email: jperezmercader@fas.harvard.edu

Salary Range: $67,600 – $73,116

Minimum Number of References Required: 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed: 3

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

  1. Curriculum Vitae
  2. Statement of Research

Optional Documents

  1. List of References

Job details

Title
Postdoctoral Fellow in Earth and Planetary Sciences (Perez-Mercader Group)
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Published
Nov 11, 2026
Closes:
Dec 11, 2026
Job type
Full time, Academic / Faculty, Geoscience
Field
Other Geoscience Specialty...
Salary

Salary: $67,600 – $73,116 per year

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Frequently Asked Questions

📋What is the Postdoctoral Fellow in Earth and Planetary Sciences (Perez-Mercader Group)?

This listing is for Postdoctoral Fellow in Earth and Planetary Sciences (Perez-Mercader Group) at Harvard University.

📍Where is this role located?

The listed location is Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.

💰What is the salary?

The listed salary is $67,600 – $73,116 yearly.

📅When do applications close?

Applications close on Dec 11, 2026.

💼What type of appointment is this?

The listed type is Full time.

📝How do I apply?

Use the Apply Now button on this listing to submit your application.

About the employer

Harvard University Jobs

Harvard University

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Harvard University offers a diverse range of job and work opportunities across various categories, reflecting its status as a leading academic and research institution. These opportunities cater to different skill sets, academic backgrounds, and career stages. Harvard University Academic Positions - click here . Harvard University Staff Jobs - click here . The main types of jobs and work opportunities at Harvard: 1. Faculty and Academic Positions Tenure-Track Faculty : These roles include assistant, associate, and full professors across Harvard’s schools (e.g., Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School). Faculty engage in teaching, research, and service. Qualifications typically include a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, a strong research portfolio, and teaching experience. Openings vary by department and school, with competitive hiring processes. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty : Includes lecturers, preceptors, and visiting professors. 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Examples include HR specialists, financial analysts, and marketing managers. These positions typically require specialized skills or certifications. Executive and Leadership Roles : Senior positions like directors, department heads, or executive administrators oversee operations in specific units or schools. These roles demand extensive experience and leadership skills. 3. Research and Laboratory Staff Research Support Staff : Includes lab managers, research technicians, and data analysts who support faculty and postdoctoral researchers in labs across disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. These roles often require technical skills, such as proficiency in lab equipment or data analysis software. Clinical Research Roles : At Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals, clinical research coordinators and specialists support medical and health-related studies. These positions may require certifications like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. 4. 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Administrative Support : Roles like executive assistants, office managers, and receptionists provide critical support to departments and faculty. 6. Student and Temporary Opportunities Student Employment : Harvard offers on-campus jobs for students, including work-study positions in libraries, dining halls, labs, and administrative offices. These roles are typically part-time and designed to accommodate academic schedules. Temporary and Seasonal Work : Temporary roles, such as event staff or short-term project assistants, are available for non-students as well. These are often listed through Harvard’s temporary staffing services. 7. Medical and Healthcare Roles Clinical and Healthcare Staff : Through Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital), opportunities exist for physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals. These roles require medical licenses or certifications. Public Health Professionals : The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health employs researchers, policy analysts, and program managers focused on global health initiatives. 8. Creative and Media Roles Arts and Culture : Harvard’s museums (e.g., Harvard Art Museums) and cultural institutions hire curators, educators, and exhibition staff. The American Repertory Theater employs artists, stage managers, and production staff. Communications and Media : Roles in writing, graphic design, social media, and public relations support Harvard’s outreach and branding efforts. Key Characteristics of Harvard Jobs Diversity of Roles : Harvard’s workforce spans academic, administrative, technical, and operational functions, with opportunities for both entry-level and highly specialized professionals. Competitive Benefits : Harvard offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and professional development. Faculty and staff also gain access to Harvard’s libraries, museums, and cultural events. Global Impact : Many roles, especially in research and public health, contribute to global advancements in knowledge and policy. Location : Most positions are based in Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, with some remote or hybrid options, particularly for administrative and IT roles. How to Find Opportunities Harvard Careers Portal : The primary resource for job listings is Harvard’s Human Resources website (hr.harvard.edu/jobs), which lists openings for faculty, staff, and temporary roles. School-Specific Listings : Each Harvard school (e.g., Harvard College, Harvard Law School) may post specialized positions on their websites. Networking and Referrals : Many academic and research roles are filled through professional networks or direct outreach to departments. X Platform : Searching for “Harvard University jobs” on X can reveal real-time discussions, job postings, or employee experiences, though these should be verified through official channels. Additional Notes Qualifications : Requirements vary widely. Faculty roles typically need advanced degrees, while support roles may prioritize experience or specific skills. Work Environment : Harvard emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Application Process : Most positions require an online application through Harvard’s careers portal, including a resume, cover letter, and sometimes additional materials like teaching statements or research portfolios.

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