HMS - Postdoctoral Fellow in Cell Biology

School: Harvard Medical School

Department/Area: Cell Biology

Position Description

We invite applicants for a postdoctoral fellow position in the Harper lab at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. Our laboratory works at the intersection of protein and organelle quality control, the ubiquitin system, and autophagy and its role in neurodegenerative disease. Through this systematic view, we seek to answer fundamental questions in cell biology and biochemistry: What are the molecular pathways that contribute to organelle repair in response to damage, with a primary focus on the endolysosomal system and mitochondria? What are the protein interaction networks that make up dynamic organelles? How to familial mutations in key organellar systems promote diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease?

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Wade Harper to develop a research project within the scope of the lab focus. In addition to carrying out research, the successful candidate will be expected to apply for fellowship funding, contribute to the writing of grants and manuscripts, participate in teaching and mentoring of lab members, and contribute to overall lab operations and a collaborative environment.

Salary and Benefits

This position is salaried and benefits eligible. Information regarding postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the number of years post PhD, and benefits can be found at .

With this appointment, you are represented by the Harvard Academic Workers (HAW) - UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in such as Cell or Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or related fields.
• Expertise in any of the following fields would be beneficial: mass spectrometry, protein purification, gene editing/cell engineering, structural biology.

Special Instructions

Required documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Research for PhD work
• Cover Letter describing your interest in the lab and initial ideas for new research directions or projects you could undertake in the lab.
• A NOTE with names and contact information for three people who have agreed to serve as your reference

Please submit application documents through the ARIeS portal. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will be invited for in-person interviews involving a research presentation on past work.

Expected Dates

• Application deadline: February 4, 2026
• Start date: The position is expected to start on or around March 2, 2026with some flexibility.
• Duration: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance, business need, and continued funding to support the position.

Contact Information

Wade Harper & Xheni Vaqari
Harvard Medical School
Department of Cell Biology
240 Longwood Ave.
Boston, MA 02115

Contact Email: [email protected] & [email protected]

Salary Range

Salary and Benefits

This position is salaried and benefits eligible. Information regarding postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the number of years post PhD, and benefits can be found at .

Minimum Number of References Required: 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed: 3