[OPEN]: Springer Lab Special Postdoctoral Fellow Position (2026)
Date and Time
Position: Special Postdoctoral Fellow in Cell Surface Receptors, Integrin Agonists, and Organoid Biology at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital
Join the Lab of Tim Springer
Tim Springer, a leader in integrin biology, invites aspiring scientists to join his lab to advance groundbreaking research at the intersection of integrin signaling, organoid development, and cell surface receptor structure and mechanobiology. A new focus is bioengineering new materials for organoids, with wide-reaching implications for regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, and therapeutic development. This role offers mentorship and unique opportunities to establish a strong scientific foundation for launching an independent research career.
About the Role:
As a Special Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:
- Pursue cutting-edge research in areas such as:
- Stem Cells and organoids: Develop and apply novel ligands that bind to temperature-dependent gels for stem cell and organoid growth
- Cryo-EM: Activation of integrins and TGF-β and ligand binding
- Mechanobiology: Integrin force transduction in adhesion and TGF-β activation
- Single Molecules: Utilize advanced techniques including FRET and magnetic tweezers to explore
- conformational change kinetics and force transmission in integrins and selectins
- Innovative ReaLiSM: (Receptor and Ligand in Single Molecules) to study receptor-ligand binding dynamics
- TGF-β Activation: Research localized activation at cell surfaces for new therapeutic targets
- Own and Develop Your Project: We encourage candidates to develop new research ideas, which they can carry forward to establish their own labs.
Key Techniques and Approaches:
- Organoid and stem cell systems
- Single-molecule imaging
- Cryo-EM
- FRET reporters using non-canonical amino acids
- Magnetic and laser tweezers
- Mechanobiology and therapeutic target discovery
Why Join Us?
- Mentorship from Tim Springer, renowned for his pioneering work in integrins and cell biology
- Work at the frontier of a rapidly expanding area bridging fundamental biophysics and translational biotech
- Independence and Growth: Develop projects that will empower your transition to an independent research career
- Collaborative environment at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital
Application Details:
To apply, please email the following to springer_jobs@crystal.harvard.edu with "Special Postdoctoral Fellow 26 - WS" in the subject line:
- Cover letter (include a brief outline of your project interests)
- CV
- Three references
Salary: $78,000 annually
Appointment: 1-year initial term, renewable (multi-year funding)
Start: Spring/Summer 2026
Visa sponsorship: Available
The posted pay range is the Department of Pediatrics’ and Children’s Hospital Pediatric Associates inc. reasonable and good-faith expectation for this pay estimate at the time of posting.
Any base pay offer provided depends on skills, experience, education, certifications, and a variety of other job-related factors. Base pay is one part of a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical/vision/dental coverage, back-up child-care, disability benefits, retirement plans, professional expense accounts, commuter and other employee discounts.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability.