Career Opportunities

The Rubin and Arlotta labs in Harvard’s Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology are initiating an exciting new and broad multiomics program focused on brain aging. Approaches will include experimental and computational efforts across multiple labs at Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Medical School.  As part of this effort, the Rubin and Arlotta labs are working together to implement new methods of studying aging in vitro using brain organoids and in vivo using mice treated with factors capable of reversing aging-associated decline in neural function.

Several postdoctoral positions are now available for individuals with a background in stem cell biology, neural development, organoid-based research, or neurodegeneration. We anticipate that new investigators will benefit from the expertise of both labs.

A Ph.D. in neurobiology, developmental biology or cell/molecular biology is required. Experience with methods ranging from RNA sequencing and proteomics to animal behavior is preferred.

To apply, email a cover letter, CV, and names and contact information (email, address, and telephone number) of three references to:

Dr. Lee Rubin lee_rubin@harvard.edu
Dr. Paola Arlotta Paola_arlotta@harvard.edu

Applications from women and minority candidates are encouraged.
Harvard University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Rubin laboratory in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University is focused on studying complex molecular pathways underlying different disease states, especially late onset neurodegenerative disorders and neuromuscular diseases, with a goal of identifying novel therapeutic avenues. In our skeletal muscle projects, our studies evaluate whether or not defects in satellite cells may contribute to neuromuscular diseases. Our research combines the use of primary patient-derived cells (iPSCs, myogenic progenitors), genetic mouse models, and phenotypic drug screening methods. In addition we are examining severe muscle damage that results in a less efficient regenerative process. We use a combination of human and mouse in vivo and in vitro studies to carry out chemical screening and transcriptional profiling analyses to evaluate potential therapeutics related to targeting satellite cells.

A Postdoctoral position is now available for individuals with a background in skeletal muscle regeneration and satellite cell biology. Studies will range from muscle functional assays (quantification of muscle force), isolation and culture of satellite cells, and the mechanistic study of pathways required to confer satellite cell regenerative capacity.

A Ph.D. in satellite cell biology, developmental biology or cell/molecular biology is required. Some familiarity with cell culture, FACS, transcriptional or epigenetic profiling along with mouse husbandry and knowledge of skeletal muscle functional assays is preferred.

To apply, email a cover letter, CV, names and contact information (email, address, and telephone number) of three references to Dr. Lee Rubin (lee_rubin@harvard.edu).

Applications from women and minority candidates are encouraged. Harvard University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Flynn Lab is located in the Stem Cell Program at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) and the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (HSCRB) in the Harvard University the Harvard Medical School. Our lab is interested in uncovering novel mechanisms that governs how RNA controls fundamental biological processes in biology, with a special focus on human disease mechanisms.

Lab interests

We take an RNA-centric approach to understanding fundamental and disease-related mechanisms of how biology operates. Models of cancer and stem cells are used for the majority of our work looking into the genetic, biochemical, and molecular features of how RNA acts as a regulatory molecule. In particular we are focused on a few broad topics:

RNA glycosylation

We recently discovered that mammalian cells robustly incorporate metabolic reporters that specifically label glycans into cellular RNA. Through a series of experiments, we determined that small, conserved, noncoding RNAs are selectively modified with glycans which look like N-glycans on proteins. A significant amount of exciting work is now possible, including technology development of novel tools to assay and purify glycoRNAs, uncovering the scope of glycoRNAs across species, and understanding where glycoRNAs functionally operate in cells. We see this as a new functional domain for RNA, and a direct interface between RNA and glycobiology.

Host-viral interactions

As a pathogen, RNA can cause significant disease, as most recently shown with SARS-CoV-2 and the associated COVID-19 disease. We have successfully leveraged RNA-centric technologies to better understand the host networks viral genomes physically hijack during infection. There are ongoing efforts to expand these datasets as well as develop novel tools to explore this interface.

Looking for

Candidates will have deep experience in wet-lab, dry-lab, or a combination of the two. Prior knowledge in molecular, cell, or chemical biology will be helpful, however new learning and deeper development in those fields within the lab is welcome for those who are independently motivated and have a passion for science.

Location and affiliations

Our lab is physically located in the Karp Family Research Building at the center of the Longwood Medical Campus in Boston. We are an affiliate member in the Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) and a member of the Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center.

To apply

Contact Professor Ryan Flynn at ryan.flynn@childrens.harvard.edu. Please include a cover letter, CV, and names/contact information for references.

The candidate will be part of a leading research laboratory in the fields of developmental neurobiology, and stem cell and brain organoid biology. The RA will work under the direct supervision of Prof. Arlotta and be responsible for his/her/their own research projects, including the training and mentoring of 1-2 research technicians. RA will also support the Principal Investigator in writing grant proposals, manuscripts and research protocols.

Basic qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, developmental biology, or molecular biology is required.
• Strong communication and writing skills are essential.

Additional qualifications

• 3+ years of postdoctoral experience is preferred.
• Prior experience writing successful grant proposals highly preferred.

More information

Administrative questions regarding this position can be sent to Sarah Hetman at Sarah_Hetman@fas.harvard.edu.

Scientific questions regarding this position can be sent to Juliana Brown at julianabrown@fas.harvard.edu.

Other general inquiries may be sent to zachary_trayes-gibson@harvard.edu.

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.

Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter, CV, and three letters of reference through the ARIES application system.