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Job Description:

The Laboratory of Dr. Juan Perez-Mercader in Harvard’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and within Harvard University’s Origins of Life Initiative invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. Positions are available for recent Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Biophysics and Computer Science Ph.D.’s who are interested to work in synthetic artificial biochemistry-free life mimics (life beyond biochemistry) or in chemical computation.

Responsibilities:

1. Conduct experimental or computer modeling/phenomenology research on any of the following: (1) Polymer Chemistry and Self-assembly (e.g., PISA), (2) Non-biochemical Evolution of Chemical Complexity, (3) Non-biochemical Self-reproducing Chemical Systems, (4) Chemical Computation using Oscillatory Chemistry or Cellular Automata, and (5) Life as we don’t know it.

2. Publish and present research findings in high-quality scientific journals and conferences.

3. Collaborate with PI and researchers on interdisciplinary research projects.

4. Contribute to the preparation of research proposals.

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.

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Application Process:

Those interested in applying are invited to send a copy of their CV, three letters of recommendation and a short statement of his or her scientific interests and description of their proposed work (limited to one page and specifically addressing only one of the five topics above) to Juan Perez-Mercader (jperezmercader@fas.harvard.edu) with a copy to Jennifer Scala (jscala@fas.harvard.edu). The three letters of recommendation must be from established researchers, including their current supervisor, and sent directly from the authors of the letters to Juan Perez-Mercader. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and notifications of awards will begin by December 15, 2024.

Prof. Juan Perez-Mercader
Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences
Origins of Life Initiative
Hoffman Laboratories
Harvard University
20 Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02138-2902

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.