hero

Building the Future of Computing

The Protocol Labs Network is an ecosystem of teams pushing the boundaries of decentralized technologies, research, and open-source innovation. Explore opportunities across the network and join the mission.
companies
Jobs

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neurobiology (Bean lab)

Harvard University

Harvard University

Posted on Mar 13, 2026

Position

Details
Title Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neurobiology (Bean lab)
School Harvard Medical School
Department/Area Neurobiology
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 recent PhD graduates 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. 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 post-doctoral 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 or in brain slices. In addition to carrying out bench research using electrophysiological recording, the successful candidate will be expected to help develop data management software for managing and analyzing large volumes of electrophysiological data, 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, with expertise in cellular neurophysiology or related fields
  • Experience in patch clamp-based electrophysiological recording from native neurons
  • Expertise in programming with Python and R
  • Experience with programming for automated data pipelines involving large data collections
  • Expertise with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique
Additional Qualifications
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 three 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. References will be requested at final stages of the consideration process.

Expected Dates:
  • Start date: The position is expected to start on or around Spring/Summer 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
Bruce Bean, PhD
Contact Email bruce_bean@hms.harvard.edu
Salary Range
Information 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 Required
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
Optional Documents