Postdoctoral Fellow in Molluscan Cell Biology, Cell Line Development, and Organoid Engineering

Position Description

The Holford Laboratory at Harvard University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an innovative research program focused on the development of novel molluscan cell lines and organoid systems. This exciting position offers the opportunity to pioneer cellular platforms for marine invertebrate biology, environmental adaptation, and biotechnology applications.

We seek an ambitious and creative scientist with expertise in cell culture, cell line engineering, organoid development, and experimental cell biology. The successful candidate will play a leading role in establishing and optimizing long-term molluscan cell culture systems and advancing next-generation in vitro models for fundamental and translational research.

• Develop, optimize, and characterize molluscan cell lines for disease modeling and functional studies.
• Establish and maintain organoid cultures derived from molluscan tissues, stem cells, and/or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
• Design culture media formulations and growth conditions to support long-term cellular maintenance and expansion.
• Apply molecular, cellular, and genomic techniques to characterize cell identity, differentiation, and function.
• Utilize gene-editing and transfection approaches where appropriate to develop experimental cellular models.
• Conduct imaging, transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional analyses of cultured cells and organoids to assess cellular phenotypes and function.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across biology, engineering, and translational research programs.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and prepare manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications.
• Mentor graduate students, research assistants, and junior laboratory personnel as appropriate.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you'll be at the forefront of a cutting-edge study that seeks to unravel the regulation and function of cephalopod and conoidean venom glands and venom gene families. This interdisciplinary role will allow you to apply cell biology, molecular biology, and developmental analysis techniques to explore how venom is developed and expressed in marine mollusks and translate biological insights into robust experimental platforms for drug discovery, disease modeling, and translational research.

The Lab

This is not just any lab-it's a place where the wonders of the marine world meet the power of modern science. You'll be working alongside a team dedicated to advancing our understanding of novelty and complex traits. The ideal candidate will be someone who can not only contribute to the project but also bring their own unique ideas and perspectives to the table.

Position Details

Duration: 1 year with the possibility of extension up to 3 years based on performance.

Start Date: September 1st, 2026.

Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA.