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Postdoctoral Fellow in Neurobiology (Bean Lab) in Cambridge, Massachusetts at Harvard University

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Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02163, United States
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Job Description

Position
Details
TitlePostdoctoral Fellow in Neurobiology (Bean Lab)
SchoolHarvard Medical School
Department/AreaNeurobiology
Position Description
We invite applicants for a postdoctoral fellow position in the Bean lab at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. The work of the Bean lab is focused on drug discovery in the area of developing ion channel pharmacology for treating pain, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders. We welcome applications from candidates holding a PhD in Neuroscience or Pharmacology who are interested in these or related fields, particularly those who may have experience in drug discovery using patch clamp electrophysiology or who can bring a new technology or perspective to bear on the work in the lab. The work is based on electrophysiological recordings using the patch clamp technique to characterize function of ion channels and interactions of novel compounds with ion channels in both heterologous expression systems and in native neurons.

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Bean and a team of postdoctoral researchers in the Bean lab to do early-stage drug discovery to find novel compounds to treat pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis by modulating the function of particular ion channels. The work will be based on electrophysiological studies of ion channels using patch clamp electrophysiological recordings of both cloned ion channels in heterologous expression systems and of native ion channels in enzymatically isolated neurons. In addition to carrying out bench research using electrophysiological recording, the successful candidate will be expected to help generate new cell lines with heterologous expression of ion channels, work closely with medicinal chemists to use structure-activity data to design new compounds, apply for fellowship funding, contribute to the writing of grants and manuscripts, participate in teaching and mentoring of lab members as needed, and otherwise contribute to overall lab operations and collaborative environment.
Basic Qualifications
  • Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in Neuroscience or Pharmacology, with expertise in cellular neurophysiology or related fields
  • Experience in patch clamp-based electrophysiological recording from native neurons
  • Experience in drug screening and drug discovery using patch clamp electrophysiology
  • Experience with generating heterologous cell lines for electrophysiological drug screening
  • Expertise with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique
Additional Qualifications
If visa sponsorship is needed, Harvard retains the discretion to determine which visa status is appropriate and whether a visa sponsorship application will ultimately be submitted, including payment of any applicable fees.
Special Instructions
Required documents:
  • CV
  • Research summary of 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 the names and contact information for two people who have agreed to serve as a 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: July 31, 2026.
  • Start date: The position is expected to start on or around early Fall 2026 with 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.

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 https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines.

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.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy.
Contact Information
Bruce Bean, PhD
Contact Emailbruce_bean@hms.harvard.edu
Salary Range
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 https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines.
Minimum Number of References Required2
Maximum Number of References Allowed
Keywords
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.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

    Applicant Documents
    Required Documents
    1. Curriculum Vitae
    2. Cover Letter
    3. Statement of Research
    4. List of References
    Optional Documents

      Job Location

      Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02163, United States

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