Open Postdoc Position - Rowland Institute

Position

Details

Title Open Postdoc Position - Rowland Institute School Faculty of Arts and Sciences Department/Area Optical microscopy Position Description

The brain computes through distributed neural circuits on millisecond timescales. To understand how the brain operates, the Z. Wang Lab at the Rowland Institute at Harvard develops optical tools to record and control neural activity across the entire brain at cellular and millisecond resolution. By combining advanced microscopy, genetically encoded voltage indicators, two-photon optogenetics, and zebrafish neuroscience, we aim to enable causal interrogation of brain-wide neural dynamics at single-cell and single-spike resolution.

We invite applications for a postdoctoral fellow to develop an integrated optical platform for simultaneous whole-brain voltage imaging and targeted optogenetic stimulation in larval zebrafish. The system will combine a high-speed light-sheet microscope, a two-photon holographic stimulation system, and software for instrument control, synchronization, and image acquisition.

This project builds on our recent paper (Nature Methods 2026, in press, preprint) on voltage imaging of neurons distributed across the larval zebrafish brain at over 200 Hz. The postdoctoral fellow will play a leading role in designing, building, integrating, and validating the next-generation platform.

More information is available at https://www.wang-lab.science.

Basic Qualifications

Applicants must hold, or expect to soon receive, a Ph.D. in physics, optics, engineering, biomedical engineering, or a related field.

Candidates should have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Optical microscope design and construction;
• Light-sheet or multiphoton microscopy;
• Holography, spatial light modulators, or wavefront shaping;
• Laser optics, high-speed imaging, or experimental control;
• Microscope-control and data-acquisition software development.

A strong record of research in optical imaging, microscopy, scientific instrumentation, or related fields is preferred.

Additional Qualifications

Experience in neuroscience, optogenetics, or zebrafish research is helpful but not required.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit:

• A brief statement (maximum 1 page) describing past research, future interests, and motivation for joining the Z. Wang Lab
• A curriculum vitae
• Contact information for two referees, who will be asked to submit letters of recommendation through the application system

Contact Information

Zeguan Wang, Ph.D.

The Rowland Institute at Harvard

Northwest Building

52 Oxford St.

Cambridge, MA 02138

Contact Email zeguanwang@fas.harvard.edu Salary Range

$67,600-$80,000/year. Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.

Minimum Number of References Required 2 Maximum Number of References Allowed 3 Keywords

optics, microscopy, imaging, systems neuroscience, voltage imaging, optogenetics

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 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. 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

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Research
• List of References

Optional Documents