Harvard University

Position

Details

TitleHMS - Postdoctoral Fellow in GeneticsSchoolHarvard Medical SchoolDepartment/AreaHMS GeneticsPosition Description

The laboratory of Dr. Yankner at Harvard Medical School is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to investigate the molecular genetics and neurobiology underlying microglial and oligodendrocyte function in the context of aging, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer’s disease. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and collaborative research environment focused on uncovering the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving cognitive decline and neurodegenerative processes.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct biochemical, genetic, and transcriptomic analyses of key regulators of brain aging using mouse and cerebral organoid models.

• Design and perform experiments to study the roles of microglia and oligodendrocytes in

• neurodegeneration and cognitive function.

• Analyze high-dimensional data to identify molecular pathways and targets relevant to Alzheimer’s disease and age-related decline.

• Collaborate with lab members and external researchers to advance shared projects and publications.

• Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, grant proposals, and presentations.

• Mentor junior researchers and assist in training lab members in experimental techniques and data analysis.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in areas such as neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field.Strong background in neurobiology, systems biology, or neurodegenerative disease models.

• Prior experience with transcriptomic or molecular analyses in cell culture or animal model
  systems.

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. Selected candidates will be invited for in-person interviews involving a research presentation on past work.

Expected Dates

• Application deadline: 5/1/2026

• Start date: The position is expected to start on or around 6/1/2026 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.

Contact Information

Genetics Hire Team

Contact EmailYachao_Wang@hms.harvard.edu; bruce_yankner@hms.harvard.eduSalary Range

Information regarding the 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 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. Note

Optional Documents

1. Publication