Details Title Postdoctoral Fellow Nett Lab School Faculty of Arts and Sciences Department/Area Molecular and Cellular Biology Position Description The Nett lab seeks to understand how plants synthesize complex, bioactive small molecules, as well as how these molecules function in nature and in the context of human health. We are looking to hire postdoctoral fellows that share this interest in understanding the intricacies of plant chemistry and biology. Research in the Nett lab spans multiple, distinct projects that are all unified by the chemistry of plants, including: 1) evolutionary and biochemical characterization of neofunctionalized enzymes in plant metabolism, 2) elucidation and engineering of biosynthetic pathways for high-value molecules from plants, and 3) identifying the native targets of bioactive plant small molecules. Opportunities to contribute to each of these projects are available. Start dates are flexible to the timeline of the successful candidate. The projects in the Nett lab will provide the opportunity to gain experience with multiple, interdisciplinary techniques, including metabolic engineering of high-value plant molecules, plant synthetic biology, enzymology, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. As this work exists at the interface of biology, chemistry, and engineering, applicants with training and education in any of these areas, or related fields, will be considered. Postdocs in the lab will also have the chance to mentor graduate students, undergrads, and other trainees, and will be given opportunities to participate in grant writing, peer review, and other career-building activities. Basic Qualifications A Ph.D. is required. Previous research experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, transcriptomics, proteomics, and/or metabolomics is recommended. Additional Qualifications Demonstrated record of research achievement Strong written and oral communication skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Special Instructions Letters of recommendation are not required at the time of application; however, letters will be collected for finalists. Candidates should submit with their application contact information for two to three references from experts at the ladder faculty ranks or highly accomplished senior researchers from corporations or research institutes. Please include the following items as part of your application: + Cover Letter, including a brief explanation of your research interests, research accomplishments, and reasons for pursuing a research position in the Nett lab. + CV + Name and contact information for 2-3 references. Contact Information Assistant Professor Ryan Nett Biological Labs, Rm 3035 16 Divinity Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138 Camila Ossa (Administrator) camila_ossa@harvard.edu Contact Email rnett@fas.harvard.edu Minimum Number of References Required 2 Maximum Number of References Allowed 3 Keywords 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 (https://hr.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6281/files/2025-04/reaffirmation\_statement.pdf) 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 (https://provost.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum3356/files/2025-07/non-discrimination\_and\_anti-bullying\_policies.pdf) . 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