HMS - Postdoctoral Fellow in Microbiology
Other
other
9 Nov 2025
Cambridge
Verified by Turrior
Content + Source + Freshness • 15 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
85 / 100
Offer value
This position offers significant value due to the prestigious employer (Harvard University), competitive salary based on experience, and opportunities for research independence and collaboration.
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Opportunities for independent research and funding
- Collaborative working environment at Harvard
Pros
- Prestigious institution with strong research focus
- Opportunity to develop independent research projects
- Collaborative lab environment with experienced mentors
Cons
- Highly competitive applicant pool
- Expectations for securing funding might add pressure
- Limited to specific research fields in microbiology
Who it's for
Post-PhD • On-site with potential for flexible arrangements
Good fit
- Recent PhD graduates in microbiology
- Researchers eager to work on bacterial cell biology
- Individuals wanting a career in academia
Not recommended for
- Candidates without a PhD
- Those not interested in laboratory research
- Individuals seeking only administrative roles
Motivation fit
Desire to contribute to significant scientific researchInterest in developing grant writing and mentorship skillsMotivation to work in a collaborative and dynamic research setting
Key skills
Research methodology in microbiologyGrant writing and funding applicationsCollaboration and teamwork in academic settings
Score: 85/100 AI verified analysis
About the job
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
Contact Information:
Microbiology Hire Team
Contact Email: Yachao_Wang@hms.harvard.edu
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy .
