• Kavli-Laukien Postdoctoral Fellowship

    Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)


    Details

     

    Title Kavli-Laukien Postdoctoral Fellowship

     

    School Faculty of Arts and Sciences

     

    Department/Area Origins of Life Initiative

    Position Description

    Applications are once again invited to the Kavli-Laukien Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Origins of Life Initiative at Harvard University. The Kavli-Laukien Fellowship program supports young developing independent scholars to pursue innovative research in the emerging field of origins of life science and astrobiology. It is expected that the Kavli-Laukien Fellows will be among the future leaders of this multidisciplinary field.

     

    We invite applicants with PhD degrees (or anticipating one) drawn from all diverse science disciplines involved in the Harvard Origins of Life Initiative: from astrophysics and planetary science to chemistry and biology. Applicants are asked to choose a host department and mentor at Harvard, but are also strongly encouraged to bridge different research labs and departments, across science and campus. The Kavli-Laukien Fellows will be given the added opportunity (funded and encouraged) to collaborate with and visit groups in sister institutions (https://www.origins-federation.com/).

     

    Applications consisting of a CV and a 4-page research statement are due by Friday, December 5, 2025. Applicants should arrange for three Letters of Reference to be emailed by Friday, December 5, 2025. Applicants should also confirm with their potential host – a Harvard faculty member, and ask them to send a confirmation email.

     

    Applications and letters should be emailed to [email protected]

     

    One offer will be made and new appointments should begin on or about September 1, 2026, but earlier starting dates are possible. The position is for one year, renewable for a second and third year, contingent on performance and funding.

     

    Further information about the Harvard Origins of Life Initiative may be found at http://origins.harvard.edu/; please direct any questions on the application process to [email protected]

     

    Compensation: $78000.00 ( USD ) w/ addition of 10k annual research funds

     

    Included Benefits: Health, Dental, and Harvard Postdoc Benefits

    Basic Qualifications

    PhD degrees (or anticipating one)

    Additional Qualifications

    Special Instructions

    Contact Information

    Associate Director

     

    Kelly McGlennon

     

    Contact Email [email protected]

     

    Salary Range

     

    $78,000.00

     

    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 (https://hr.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6281/files/2025-04/reaffirmation\_statement.pdf) 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 (https://provost.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum3356/files/2025-07/non-discrimination\_and\_anti-bullying\_policies.pdf) . 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