HMS - Postdoctoral Associate in Genetics at Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts

Harvard University

Position

Details

TitleHMS - Postdoctoral Associate in GeneticsSchoolHarvard Medical SchoolDepartment/Area***Position DescriptionWe invite applications for a Research Associate position in the Perrimon Lab at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. The work of the Perrimon Lab is focused on uncovering the fundamental mechanisms governing insect cell membrane deformability, with an emphasis on molecular biology and virology approaches to study host–pathogen interactions. We welcome applications from candidates who are interested in these or related fields, particularly those who may bring a new technology or perspective to bear on the work in the lab.

This is a targeted search for candidates with strong expertise in molecular biology and virology, including experience with functional genomic screening (e.g., CRISPR-based or related screening approaches), viral infection models, and insect or arthropod cell culture systems.

The successful candidate will work with Norbert Perrimon to develop and carry out research projects within the scope of the lab’s research focus. The position will focus on completing and publishing a RiSPr screen on vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection, and on working closely with Jonathan Abraham’s laboratory to conduct functional genetic screens in Anopheles cell lines for arboviruses (such as Zika and yellow fever viruses). The successful candidate will also help establish CRISPR-based screening platforms in tick cell lines for studies of innate immunity pathways in Ixodes.

The Research Associate will lead and develop research programs in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of geneticists, microbiologists, virologists, and bioinformaticians. In addition to carrying out research, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the writing of grants and manuscripts, participate in teaching and mentoring of lab members as needed, and otherwise contribute to the overall lab operations and collaborative environment. A strong sense of collaboration and high levels of self-motivation, creativity, and open-mindedness are essential.

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.

• Basic QualificationsPh.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in molecular biology, virology, microbiology, genetics, immunology, bioinformatics, or related fields.
• This is a targeted search. Strong expertise in functional genomic screening (e.g., CRISPR- or related screening platforms), viral infection models, and experience with insect or arthropod cell culture systems (e.g., Anopheles or tick cell lines) is highly desirable.

Additional QualificationsSpecial 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.
• 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 March 1st 2026. Selected candidates will be invited for in-person interviews involving a research presentation on past work.

Expected Dates

• Application deadline: March 1st, 2026
• Start date: The position is expected to start on or around March 1st 2026, with some flexibility.
• Duration: This is a 3 months 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 InformationGenetics Hire Team: Litz Brown

Contact Emailelisabeth_brown@hms.harvard.eduSalary RangeInformation regarding postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the number

of years post PhD, can be found at https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines.

Minimum Number of References Required3Maximum Number of References Allowed6Keywords

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment StatementHarvard 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. Note

Optional Documents

1. Publication