Kubelt
Postdoctoral Fellow in Marine Molluscan Phylogeny and Venom Evolution
Kubelt, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
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Postdoctoral Fellow in Marine Molluscan Phylogeny and Venom Evolution Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Marine Molluscan Phylogeny and Venom Evolution
School School Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area Department/Area Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
Position Description Are you ready to dive into groundbreaking research at the intersection of marine biology, development, evolutionary science, and venom biology? Join Professor
Mandë Holford
at
Harvard University
for an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high‑impact, large‑scale project investigating the evolution of cephalopods and their fascinating venom systems!
As a
Postdoctoral Fellow , you’ll be at the forefront of a cutting‑edge study that seeks to unravel the evolution of cephalopod posterior salivary glands and venom gene families. This interdisciplinary role will allow you to apply phylogenetic, molecular, and morphological analysis techniques to explore how venom has evolved in marine mollusks.
Your work will span from the
field to the lab , including:
Sample collection
from diverse, extant marine species (yes, that means some museum and fieldwork!).
Comparative analysis
using advanced computational tools and wet lab techniques.
Hands‑on dissections
of invertebrates for anatomical and physiological studies.
Leading
data analysis , contributing to
research dissemination , and mentoring lab members along the way.
With a combination of wet lab techniques and cutting‑edge bioinformatics tools, you’ll explore novel questions about marine evolution and development, all while engaging with a vibrant community of like‑minded researchers at one of the world’s top universities.
The Lab This is not just any lab—it’s a place where the wonders of the marine world meet the power of modern science. You’ll be working directly with
Professor Mandë Holford , an expert in molluscan venom biology and evolutionary research, alongside a team dedicated to advancing our understanding of novelty and complex traits. The ideal candidate will be someone who can not only contribute to the project but also bring their own unique ideas and perspectives to the table.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct
phylogenetic and molecular analyses
to track venom evolution in cephalopods using bioinformatics and comparative phylogenetic methods.
Lead the
dissection and histological analysis
of marine specimens – sample preparation, sectioning (microtome, vibratome, and cryostat), various histological staining techniques.
Design and perform
wet lab experiments
including immunohistochemistry, in‑situ hybridization chain reaction ( HCR ), RNA extraction, PCR , RT-qPCR, and confocal microscopy.
Collaborate with team members and contribute to
data interpretation
and
publication
efforts.
Participate in
fieldwork , museum specimen collection, and outreach activities.
Share your expertise by
training
lab members and contributing to the overall lab culture.
Duration : 1 year with the possibility of extension up to 3 years based on performance.
Start Date : September 1st, 2025.
Basic Qualifications
A PhD in
biology ,
chemical biology ,
ecology ,
environmental science ,
conservation biology , or a related field by the time of appointment.
Strong experience in marine biology, evolution, development, or a closely related field with a proven track record of
scientific publications
and
conference presentations .
Additional Qualifications
A curious, creative mind with a passion for
marine organisms ,
venoms ,
fieldwork
and
scientific discovery .
You’ll thrive in a collaborative, dynamic lab environment where intellectual exploration and innovation are at the core of everything we do.
Special Instructions Ready to take your research career to the next level? Apply today! Submit the following materials to be considered for this exciting opportunity:
A
2‑3 page cover letter
detailing your research interests, experience, and why you’re excited about this position.
Names and contact details
of three professional references.
Review of applications will begin on
February 21st, 2025 , so make sure to get your application in soon!
Contact Information For more information or to send your application, please contact:
Contact Email
Salary Range $67,600-80,000
Minimum Number of References Required 3
Maximum Number of References Allowed 5
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 (*).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Postdoctoral Fellow in Marine Molluscan Phylogeny and Venom Evolution Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Marine Molluscan Phylogeny and Venom Evolution
School School Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area Department/Area Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
Position Description Are you ready to dive into groundbreaking research at the intersection of marine biology, development, evolutionary science, and venom biology? Join Professor
Mandë Holford
at
Harvard University
for an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high‑impact, large‑scale project investigating the evolution of cephalopods and their fascinating venom systems!
As a
Postdoctoral Fellow , you’ll be at the forefront of a cutting‑edge study that seeks to unravel the evolution of cephalopod posterior salivary glands and venom gene families. This interdisciplinary role will allow you to apply phylogenetic, molecular, and morphological analysis techniques to explore how venom has evolved in marine mollusks.
Your work will span from the
field to the lab , including:
Sample collection
from diverse, extant marine species (yes, that means some museum and fieldwork!).
Comparative analysis
using advanced computational tools and wet lab techniques.
Hands‑on dissections
of invertebrates for anatomical and physiological studies.
Leading
data analysis , contributing to
research dissemination , and mentoring lab members along the way.
With a combination of wet lab techniques and cutting‑edge bioinformatics tools, you’ll explore novel questions about marine evolution and development, all while engaging with a vibrant community of like‑minded researchers at one of the world’s top universities.
The Lab This is not just any lab—it’s a place where the wonders of the marine world meet the power of modern science. You’ll be working directly with
Professor Mandë Holford , an expert in molluscan venom biology and evolutionary research, alongside a team dedicated to advancing our understanding of novelty and complex traits. The ideal candidate will be someone who can not only contribute to the project but also bring their own unique ideas and perspectives to the table.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct
phylogenetic and molecular analyses
to track venom evolution in cephalopods using bioinformatics and comparative phylogenetic methods.
Lead the
dissection and histological analysis
of marine specimens – sample preparation, sectioning (microtome, vibratome, and cryostat), various histological staining techniques.
Design and perform
wet lab experiments
including immunohistochemistry, in‑situ hybridization chain reaction ( HCR ), RNA extraction, PCR , RT-qPCR, and confocal microscopy.
Collaborate with team members and contribute to
data interpretation
and
publication
efforts.
Participate in
fieldwork , museum specimen collection, and outreach activities.
Share your expertise by
training
lab members and contributing to the overall lab culture.
Duration : 1 year with the possibility of extension up to 3 years based on performance.
Start Date : September 1st, 2025.
Basic Qualifications
A PhD in
biology ,
chemical biology ,
ecology ,
environmental science ,
conservation biology , or a related field by the time of appointment.
Strong experience in marine biology, evolution, development, or a closely related field with a proven track record of
scientific publications
and
conference presentations .
Additional Qualifications
A curious, creative mind with a passion for
marine organisms ,
venoms ,
fieldwork
and
scientific discovery .
You’ll thrive in a collaborative, dynamic lab environment where intellectual exploration and innovation are at the core of everything we do.
Special Instructions Ready to take your research career to the next level? Apply today! Submit the following materials to be considered for this exciting opportunity:
A
2‑3 page cover letter
detailing your research interests, experience, and why you’re excited about this position.
Names and contact details
of three professional references.
Review of applications will begin on
February 21st, 2025 , so make sure to get your application in soon!
Contact Information For more information or to send your application, please contact:
Contact Email
Salary Range $67,600-80,000
Minimum Number of References Required 3
Maximum Number of References Allowed 5
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 (*).
#J-18808-Ljbffr