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Title HMS - Postdoctoral Fellow in Microbiology

School Harvard Medical School

Department/Area HMS Microbiology

Position Description

We invite applicants for a postdoctoral fellow position in David Rudner’s lab at Harvard Medical School in Boston Massachusetts. Work in the Rudner lab focuses on fundamental questions in bacterial cell biology and development: How is information transduced across lipid bilayers? How are replicated chromosomes organized and segregated? How is the cell envelope remodeled during growth and differentiation? We address these questions in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, in many cases, taking advantage of the developmental process of spore formation in this organism. The lab also studies cell envelope biogenesis in two Gram-positive pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. We welcome applications from recent PhD graduates who are interested in contributing to our highly collaborative and exciting research program.

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Rudner to develop an independent research project within the scope of the lab’s research focus. In addition to carrying out research, the successful candidate will be expected to 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.

Salary and Benefits

This position is salaried and benefits-eligible. Information regarding postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the number of years post PhD, and benefits can be found at https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines.

With this appointment, you are represented by the Harvard Academic Workers ( HAW ) – UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions.

Basic Qualifications

Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology or related fields

Additional Qualifications

Special Instructions

Required documents:

+ Curriculum Vitae

+ Statement of Research for 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.

+ Note with names and contact information for three people who have agreed to serve as your reference

Please submit application documents through the ARIeS portal. Applications will be considered. Selected candidates will be invited for in-person interviews involving a research presentation on past work.

Expected Dates

+ Application deadline: 12/6/2025

+ Start date: The position is expected to start on or around 3/2/2026 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

Microbiology Hire Team

Contact Email [email protected]

Salary Range

Information regarding postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the numberof years post PhD, can be found at https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines.

Minimum Number of References Required 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed 6

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