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Title	Postdoctoral Fellow in Molluscan Cell Biology, Cell Line Development, and Organoid Engineering
School	Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area	Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
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. Position Description • 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.
Basic Qualifications	• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Marine Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, or a related field. • Demonstrated expertise in mammalian, invertebrate, stem cell, or primary cell culture systems. • Experience developing, maintaining, or optimizing cell lines and advanced cell culture platforms. • Strong background in experimental cell biology and molecular techniques. • Record of scientific productivity demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications. • Excellent communication and organizational skills.A PhD in biology, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related field by the time of appointment. • Strong experience in, cell culture, development, marine biology, or a closely related field with a proven track record of scientific publications and conference presentations.
Additional Qualifications	A creative mind with a passion for curiosity-driven innovative research, fieldwork, and scientific discovery. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, dynamic lab environment where intellectual exploration and innovation are at the core of everything we do.
Special Instructions	Submit the following materials to be considered for this exciting opportunity: • A curriculum vitae (CV). • A 2-3 page cover letter detailing your research interests, experience, and why you’re excited about this position. • Names and contact details of three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Earliest start date September 1, 2026.
Contact Information	Professor Mand Holford
Contact Email	holfordlab@fas.harvard.edu
Salary Range	$67,600-$80,000 Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field
Minimum Number of References Required	3
Maximum Number of References Allowed	5
Keywords	Cell biology, postdoctoral scholar, organoid technologies, marine molluscan venoms

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

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Postdoctoral Fellow in Molluscan Cell Biology, Cell Line Development, and Organoid Engineering in Cambridge, Massachusetts at Harvard University

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