Details Title Postdoctoral Research Fellow School Faculty of Arts and Sciences Department/Area Earth and Planetary Sciences/Origins of Life Initiative Position Description 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. Basic Qualifications 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. Additional Qualifications The health of our community is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC -recommended vaccines. Special Instructions 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. 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 Contact Email jscala@fas.harvard.edu Minimum Number of References Required 3 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