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

School Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Position Description

The Cohen Lab invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. The Cohen Lab develops and applies new tools to study biology. We push the limits of physics and chemistry to make measurements in previously inaccessible regimes. Work in the lab combines optics, protein engineering, chemistry, electrophysiology, simulation, and theory. We work at the levels of individual molecules, single cells, and whole, genetically modified, organisms.

A major focus is toward studying electrical signaling in the nervous system. We developed fluorescent reporters of membrane voltage and associated instrumentation to map electrical activity with high resolution in space and time. We study information processing in the brains of awake, behaving mice and zebrafish. We also work on electrical signaling in other tissues; on mechanical signaling in cells; and on the roles of physical forces in embryonic development.

Responsibilities include:

1. Conduct research in neuroscience, chemistry, physics, and related fields.

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://cohenweb.rc.fas.harvard.edu.

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 [email protected]

Salary Range

$67,600-$80,000

Minimum Number of References Required 2

Maximum Number of References Allowed 3

Keywords

optics, protein engineering, chemistry, electrophysiology, simulation, theory, physics

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.

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