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Department of Molecular
and Cellular Biology

About us

Our Science 

We research and teach how the collective behavior of molecules and cells forms the basis of life. We are driven by a passion for discovery and value collaborative approaches to scientific inquiry, where connections between people fuel interdisciplinary science and break boundaries across varied experimental systems. Against a backdrop of cutting-edge biological research, we work as a team of educators and mentors to inspire and train the next generation of scientists and global citizens. 

 Our Community 

At the core of the MCB department is a commitment to foster an environment in which all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. It is our shared responsibility to create an inclusive culture, where we support and respect each other as colleagues. We embrace a diverse range of perspectives, expertise, identities, experiences, talents, and abilities. By continually strengthening this foundation of investing in the well-being of our people, we enable our community’s growth and pursuit of the creative and innovative approaches that underlie scientific excellence. 

Our Guiding Principles

We hold ourselves and the community accountable to the following set of values: 

Respect
We foster a safe and supportive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and is able to work towards their aspirations. 

Engagement
We encourage difficult conversations about racial, gender, structural and other inequities in our labs, institutions, and society.We listen actively and openly and seek to continually learn from one another during these respectful and open dialogues. 

Action
We take active steps to diversify our community demographics, promote equitable practices, and eliminate systemic racism and other inequities in our departmental structures. 

Support
We prioritize the well-being of our community members and create avenues of support for all, with a particular focus on the needs of Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, first generation students, people from underprivileged backgrounds, and other community members underrepresented in the scientific community.We prioritize diversity, inclusion, and belonging work, advocate for it at all levels and actively include it in all departmental discussions.  

Integrity 

We carry out our work responsibly and ethically, recognizing that our own choices are reflections of both ourselves and our community. As a department, we are committed to building institutional accountability and transparency in our decision-making processes.  

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIROur research

Latest News

Julius Tabin

Graduate Student Spotlight: Julius Tabin (Elya Lab)

OEB graduate student Julius Tabin is a member of the Elya Lab. There he is investigating fungus-infected “zombie” flies and searching for the molecule or molecules that cause […]

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MCB Has an Assistant Professor Search Underway. Apply!

We seek applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. MCB is a tight-knit, supportive and collaborative research community with interests in […]

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(l to r) Juan Orozco, Cristy Kasbo, Dasomie Kim, Ezra Taub, Alan Bernstein, Muhammad Chawla, Madyson Vaca, Myrthe Smit, and Emily Villalpando

Summer Students Experience Research Life through SROH Program

Summer Research Opportunities at Harvard (SROH) offers research experiences in Harvard labs to undergraduates from other colleges. The goal is to give participating students a sense of what […]

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(l to r) Jeff Lichtman, Linda Liang, Alex Lovely, Heather Brown-Harding, Doug Richardson, and Venki Murthy

Venki Murthy Named Faculty Director of Harvard Center for Biological Imaging (HCBI)

MCB faculty Venkatesh Murthy has been appointed the new Faculty Director of the Harvard Center of Biological Imaging (HCBI), following Jeff Lichtman being named Dean of Science for […]

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Upcoming Events

MCB Friday Talks @ 4 PM

  • 4pm - Friday Sep 27, 2024
  • Biological Laboratories (Room BL1080), 16 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

MCB Friday Talks @ 4 PM

  • 4pm - Friday Oct 4, 2024
  • Biological Laboratories (Room BL1080), 16 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA