Postdoctoral Fellow in Neurobiology; Bean Lab

Job Title

Postdoctoral Fellow in Neurobiology (Bean Lab)

Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts

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.

• Conduct early‑stage drug discovery to find novel compounds to treat pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis by modulating the function of particular ion channels.
• Perform 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.
• Generate new cell lines with heterologous expression of ion channels.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists to use structure‑activity data to design new compounds.
• Apply for fellowship funding, contribute to writing of grants and manuscripts, and participate in teaching and mentoring of lab members as needed.
• Contribute to overall lab operations and collaborative environment.

• 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.

Harvard retains the discretion to determine appropriate visa status and whether a visa sponsorship application will ultimately be submitted, including payment of any applicable fees.

• Curriculum Vitae
• Research summary of PhD work.
• Cover letter describing interest in the lab and initial ideas for new research directions or projects.
• Names and contact information for two reference persons who have agreed to serve as a reference.

• Final date to receive applications:
  July 31, 2026.
• Start date:
  
  The position is expected to start on or around early Fall 2026 with some flexibility.
• Duration:
  One‑year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension contingent upon work performance, business need, and continued funding.

Position is salaried and benefits‑eligible. Salary is determined by the number of years post‑PhD. Information regarding postdoctoral fellow salary and benefits can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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.

Bruce Bean, PhD
vard.edu