Postdoctoral Fellow in Developmental and Evolutionary Genetics at Harvard University – United States

Summary

Harvard University's Department of Human Evolutionary Biology seeks a postdoctoral fellow for the Capellini Laboratory to study developmental and evolutionary genetics of human-specific adaptations. The one‑year appointment, renewable annually, begins in winter 2027 and offers an annual salary of $67,600–$80,000. The fellow will investigate genetic variants influencing musculoskeletal development, employ functional genomics, targeted genetics, bioinformatics, and experimental work with human and mouse tissues and cell models. Candidates should hold a doctoral degree and have experience in areas such as developmental genetics, functional genomics, evolutionary developmental biology, mouse developmental biology, or human evolutionary genetics. Application materials include a letter of interest, CV, and names of three references; review continues until the position is filled.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Human Evolutionary Biology
Position Type	Postdoctoral Fellow
Research Area	Developmental and Evolutionary Genetics
Degree Required	Doctoral degree
Salary	$67,600–$80,000
Funding	Salary
Contract Duration	Initial one-year appointment
Required Documents	Letter of Interest, Curriculum Vitae (CV), Names of Three References
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

The project aims to uncover the genetic and developmental mechanisms underlying human‑specific musculoskeletal adaptations and related diseases. Using functional genomics, targeted genetic approaches, bioinformatics, and experimental models (human and mouse tissues, in‑vitro cell systems), the fellow will identify causal genetic variants, analyze their effects on development, and explore how genetic variation shapes human evolution and health.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on genetic and developmental mechanisms of human‑specific adaptations
• Investigate musculoskeletal biology and the genetic factors influencing development
• Identify and analyze causal genetic variants using functional genomics
• Apply computational biology and bioinformatics to interpret genomic data
• Perform experimental work with human and mouse tissues and in‑vitro cell models
• Collaborate with the laboratory team on interdisciplinary projects
• Contribute to publications and presentations as appropriate

Required Skills

• Experience in developmental genetics
• Functional genomics expertise
• Evolutionary developmental biology background
• Mouse developmental biology experience
• Human evolutionary genetics knowledge
• Computational biology and bioinformatics skills
• Laboratory techniques with human and mouse tissues
• In‑vitro human‑cell model work

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a doctoral degree and research experience in developmental genetics, functional genomics, evolutionary developmental biology, mouse developmental biology, or human evolutionary genetics are encouraged to apply. Candidates should be skilled in computational biology, bioinformatics, and experimental work with human or mouse tissues and cell models, and be interested in studying the genetic basis of human-specific adaptations and disease.

About the Employer

Harvard University’s Department of Human Evolutionary Biology hosts the Evolutionary and Developmental Genetics Laboratory (Capellini Laboratory) within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The laboratory focuses on the genetic and developmental foundations of human biology, emphasizing musculoskeletal adaptations and the evolutionary changes that distinguish humans from other primates. Research integrates experimental genetics, developmental biology, evolutionary approaches, and computational analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fixed application deadline?

No fixed deadline; applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

When does the appointment start?

The position is expected to begin in winter 2027.

What is the salary range?

The advertised annual salary range is $67,600–$80,000.

Who is the contact person for the position?

Professor Terence D. Capellini, email [email protected].

What documents must be submitted?

A letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, and the names of three references.