Postdoctoral Fellow in Earth and Planetary Sciences (Perez-Mercader Group)

Harvard Corporation; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Perez-Mercader Group. The role focuses on life-as-we-don't-know it concepts or chemical computation, with a one-year appointment and a PhD required by start date.

Responsibilities include experimental or modeling work across several topics, publishing in journals, collaborating with researchers, and assisting with grant proposals.

Qualifications

• PhD required by the appointment start date.
• Fields listed include chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, biophysics, computer science or related field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments or modeling in polymer chemistry and self-assembly or non-biochemical evolution of chemical complexity.
• Publish and present research findings in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Collaborate with PI and researchers on interdisciplinary projects.
• Contribute to preparation of research proposals.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent teamwork

Research track record

Education

PhD in chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, biophysics, computer science, or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow in Earth and Planetary Sciences (Perez-Mercader Group)

Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Earth and Planetary Sciences (Perez-Mercader Group)

School

School Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area

Department/Area Earth and Planetary Sciences

Position Description

Job Description:

The Laboratory of Dr. Juan Perez-Mercader in Harvard’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. Positions are available for candidates who hold a Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, biophysics, computer science, or a related field by the appointment start date who are interested in working in synthetic artificial biochemistry-free life mimics (life beyond biochemistry) or in chemical computation.

The appointment is for one year.

Responsibilities

1. 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. 2. Publish and present research findings in high-quality scientific journals and conferences.
3. 3. Collaborate with PI and researchers on interdisciplinary research projects.
4. 4. Contribute to the preparation of research proposals.

Basic Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, biophysics, computer science, or a related field by the appointment start date.

Additional Qualifications

1. 1. Demonstrated record of research achievement.
2. 2. Strong written and oral communication skills.
3. 3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Contact Information

Prof. Juan Perez-Mercader

Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences

Origins of Life Initiative

Hoffman Laboratories

Harvard University

20 Oxford Street

Cambridge, MA 02138-2902

Salary Range

$67,600 – $73,116

Minimum Number of References Required

Minimum Number of References Required 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed

Maximum Number of References Allowed 3

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

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