Postdoctoral Fellow Nett Lab

Posted: 22-Feb-26

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Categories:
Academic/Faculty
Other - Academic/Faculty

Internal Number: 14730

School: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Position Description:

The Nett lab seeks to understand how plants synthesize complex, bioactive small molecules, as well as how these molecules function in nature and in the context of human health. We are looking to hire postdoctoral fellows that share this interest in understanding the intricacies of plant chemistry and biology. Research in the Nett lab spans multiple, distinct projects that are all unified by the chemistry of plants, including:

1. evolutionary and biochemical characterization of neofunctionalized enzymes in plant metabolism,
2. elucidation and engineering of biosynthetic pathways for high-value molecules from plants, and
3. identifying the native targets of bioactive plant small molecules.

Opportunities to contribute to each of these projects are available. Start dates are flexible to the timeline of the successful candidate.

The projects in the Nett lab will provide the opportunity to gain experience with multiple, interdisciplinary techniques, including metabolic engineering of high-value plant molecules, plant synthetic biology, enzymology, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. As this work exists at the interface of biology, chemistry, and engineering, applicants with training and education in any of these areas, or related fields, will be considered. Postdocs in the lab will also have the chance to mentor graduate students, undergrads, and other trainees, and will be given opportunities to participate in grant writing, peer review, and other career-building activities.

Basic Qualifications:

A Ph.D. is required. Previous research experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, transcriptomics, proteomics, and/or metabolomics is recommended.

Additional Qualifications:

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

Contact Information:

Assistant Professor Ryan Nett
Biological Labs, Rm 3035
16 Divinity Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138

Camila Ossa (Administrator)
camila_ossa@harvard.edu

Contact Email: rnett@fas.harvard.edu