Harvard University Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026–2031: Research Opportunity in Immunology, Virology and Innate Immunity, USA

Overview

Harvard University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position through the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The successful candidate joins the Le Pen Laboratory within the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, with a secondary affiliation in the Harvard Medical School Department of Microbiology and membership in the Harvard Program in Virology. Located on Harvard's medical campus in Longwood, Boston, the research lab investigates innate immune responses to RNA viruses and cellular mechanisms during viral infections. This position is supported by the NIH Director's New Innovator Award for the 2026 to 2031 period under the project titled Next-Generation Interferons: Mapping and Engineering Antiviral Function.

Who can apply

Applicants must hold a PhD in immunology, virology, genetics, molecular biology, structural biology, or a closely related scientific discipline. Candidates are required to demonstrate strong experimental research design capabilities, excellent data analysis skills, strong oral and written scientific communication abilities, proficiency in standard cell culture techniques, practical experience with molecular biology techniques, creativity with innovative research approaches, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team. Additional strengths include a published research record, expertise in interferon biology, knowledge of innate immune responses, prior virology research experience, structural biology expertise, and bioinformatics experience.

What you get

The position offers a competitive annual salary determined by the successful candidate's postdoctoral experience level classification. The role provides access to dedicated research facilities, BSL-2+ and BSL-3 laboratory access, advanced institutional infrastructure, and scientific resources. Fellows have opportunities to attend international scientific conferences, present research findings, deliver scientific talks, receive support in developing research proposals and funding applications, mentor students, contribute to laboratory development, and develop an original research programme aligned with the laboratory's priorities.

Requirements

Interested applicants must submit their materials directly to the laboratory's principal investigator. The required application package consists of a comprehensive academic curriculum vitae detailing educational qualifications, research experience, laboratory competencies, publications, presentations, and professional achievements; a letter of interest detailing research background, interest in the laboratory, technical expertise, and potential contributions to the NIH-funded project; and contact information for three professional references.