What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Fellow, Matern Lab position at Merrimack College?
PCN 2059
Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2026
Funding term: NIH-funded; contingent upon continued receipt of external funding
Position Overview:
The Matern Lab at Merrimack College is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join its NIH- funded research project on inner ear sensory cell biology using organoid models. The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Maggie Matern and members of a collaborative research team to generate and analyze stem cell-derived inner ear organoids, with the goal of uncovering the molecular mechanisms that drive sensory cell development. To achieve this, the project employs lentiviral approaches to generate novel stem cell tools containing inducible CRISPR constructs. Following inner ear organoid generation, these tools will enable precise temporal control of gene expression in sensory cells, providing new insights into the functions of key developmental genes and the mechanisms that govern sensory cell formation.
The successful candidate will develop independent, hypothesis-driven research while contributing to ongoing projects in the lab. The position includes mentoring undergraduate and graduate researchers, as well as active participation in a collaborative research environment. The lab actively supports postdoctoral fellowship applications and provides mentorship in grant writing and career development.
Annual base salary is $63,480, contingent upon experience. This calendar year (12-months) role is fully benefits-eligible. Merrimack College provides support for a limited range of work visas.
Qualifications:
Doctoral degree in biological sciences or related field
Successful candidates will have experience in mammalian cell culture, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, and standard molecular biology techniques. Experience in the bioinformatic analysis of single cell RNA-sequencing data preferred.
Ability to contribute to a collaborative, diverse, and student-centered academic community
Strong verbal/written communication skills are essential
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials through ADP:
Cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in Merrimack College.
Curriculum Vitae.
Research statement highlighting current work and future plans.
Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.
Note: applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Work Location
This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.
This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.
Statement on Our Mission
Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.
Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.
About Merrimack College
The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoral students from 48 states and 63 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has six schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard school of business and the graduate school of counseling and social work. The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in the Regional Universities North category in 2026. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.
Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary : $63,480