Postdoctoral Fellow in Evolution, Gene Regulation and Venomics

Postdoctoral Fellow in Evolution, Gene Regulation and Venomics

School: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department: Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

Are you ready to dive into groundbreaking research at the intersection of marine biology, development, evolutionary science, and venom biology? Join Professor Mand Holford at Harvard University for an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high‑impact, large‑scale project investigating the evolution of cephalopods and their fascinating venom systems.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow
, you will work at the forefront of a cutting‑edge study that seeks to unravel the evolution of cephalopod posterior salivary glands and venom gene families. This interdisciplinary role will allow you to apply phylogenetic, molecular, and morphological analysis techniques to explore how venom has evolved in marine mollusks.

• Conduct phylogenetic and molecular analyses to track venom evolution in cephalopods using bioinformatics and comparative phylogenetic methods.
• Lead the dissection and histological analysis of marine specimens, including sample preparation, sectioning (microtome, vibratome, and cryostat), and various histological staining techniques.
• Design and perform wet‑lab experiments, including immunohistochemistry, in‑situ hybridization chain reaction (HCR), RNA extraction, PCR, RT‑qPCR, and confocal microscopy.
• Collaborate with team members and contribute to data interpretation and publication efforts.
• Participate in fieldwork, museum specimen collection, and outreach activities.
• Share your expertise by training lab members and contributing to the overall lab culture.
• Duration: 1 year with the possibility of extension up to 3 years based on performance.
• Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA.

• A PhD in biology, chemical biology, ecology, environmental science, conservation biology, or a related field by the time of appointment.
• Strong experience in marine biology, evolution, development, or a closely related field with a proven track record of scientific publications and conference presentations.

• A curious, creative mind with a passion for marine organisms, venoms, fieldwork, and scientific discovery.
• Thrives in a collaborative, dynamic lab environment where intellectual exploration and innovation are at the core of everything we do.

• A curriculum vitae (CV).
• A 2–3 page cover letter detailing your research interests, experience, and why you are excited about this position.
• Names and contact details of three professional references.

Professor Mand Holford
Email: holfordlabvard.edu

Salary: $67,600–$80,000

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