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Post-Doctoral Fellow in Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Balskus Lab)

Harvard University

Harvard University

Other Engineering
USD 70k-80k / year
Posted on Mar 25, 2026

Position

Details
Title Post-Doctoral Fellow in Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Balskus Lab)
School Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Position Description
The Balskus Lab invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. Our group investigates how microbes and microbiomes function at the molecular level by integrating microbiology and chemistry. We develop and apply new approaches to link key metabolic activities in complex microbial communities to specific microbes, genes, and enzymes, to uncover the functions of uncharacterized genes in microbiome sequencing data, and to discover new microbial metabolites. With potential applications in human health, agriculture, and the environment, we also elucidate the biological consequences of microbial metabolism in host-associated microbiomes and design strategies to selectively perturb microbial activities. The successful Postdoctoral candidate will have a strong scientific skill set for conducting research at the intersection of chemistry and chemical biology, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills aligned with the lab’s research focus.

Responsibilities:

1. Conduct research in chemistry, chemical biology, biology and/or microbiology.
2. Publish and present research findings in high-quality scientific journals and conferences.
3. Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and students on interdisciplinary research projects.
4. Contribute to the preparation of research proposals.
5. Participate in teaching and mentoring activities for undergraduate and graduate students.
Basic Qualifications
1. A Ph.D. in a relevant field
2. Demonstrated record of research achievement.
3. Strong written and oral communication skills.
4. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Additional Qualifications
Special Instructions
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, a brief research proposal, and two to three references’ names and contact information. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For more information, please visit our website, https://www.microbialchemist.com/, or contact the department directly.

Please note: This position is contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance.
Contact Information
Joseph Lavin
Associate Director of Academic Affairs
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Harvard University
12 Oxford Street
Cambridge MA 02138
Contact Email lavin@chemistry.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$70,000-$80,000. Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field
Minimum Number of References Required 2
Maximum Number of References Allowed 3
Keywords
chemical biology, chemistry, microchemistry, biology

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. Cover Letter
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Statement of Research
Optional Documents