HMS - Postdoctoral Fellow in Translational Cancer

Harvard University; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in basic or translational cancer biology within the Sorger Laboratory and the Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science.

The work focuses on spatial profiling and machine learning of human specimens, combined with functional experiments in animal models to understand cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in areas such as cancer biology, immunology, cell biology, biochemistry or systems biology.
• Strong preference will be given to fellows who are able to (or likely to) secure their own funding.

Responsibilities

• Develop an independent research project in solid tumor immunology.
• Carry out bench and computational research.
• Apply for fellowship funding and contribute to the writing of grants and manuscripts.
• Participate in teaching and mentoring of lab members and contribute to lab operations.

Skills

Bench research

Computational analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in cancer biology/immunology/cell biology/biochemistry/systems biology

Job description

HMS - Postdoctoral Fellow in Translational Cancer

Title HMS - Postdoctoral Fellow in Translational Cancer

School

School Harvard Medical School

Department/Area

Department/Area Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science

Position Description

We invite applicants for a postdoctoral fellow position in basic or translational cancer biology in the Sorger Laboratory and Program in Therapeutic Sciences at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. The work of the lab is focused on using spatial profiling and machine learning of human specimens in combination with functional experiments in animal models to understand cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. We welcome applications from recent PhD graduates who are interested in these or related fields, particularly those who may bring a new technology or perspective to bear on the work in the lab. This is a laboratory position that will require fellows to work at both the bench and the computer.

The successful candidate will work with a talented group of students, fellows, and research scientists to develop an independent research project in solid tumor immunology. In addition to carrying out bench and computational research, the successful candidate is expected to apply for fellowship funding, contribute to the writing of grants and manuscripts, participate in teaching and mentoring of lab members as needed, and otherwise contribute to overall lab operations and collaborative environment. Fellows typically attend one or two scientific conferences per year and are strongly encouraged to present posters and give platform presentation. Over 40 former members of the Sorger Laboratory are now assistant, associate, or full professors (or their equivalents) in the US, Europe or Asia. Nearly 100 trainees now have positions in industry, including as founders of startup companies.
Salary and Benefits

This position is salaried and benefits eligible. Information regarding postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the number of years post PhD, and benefits can be found at https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines .

With this appointment, you are represented by the Harvard Academic Workers ( HAW ) – UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in areas such as cancer biology, immunology, cell biology, biochemistry or systems biology
• Strong preference will be given to fellows who are able to (or likely to) secure their own funding/

Additional Qualifications

If visa sponsorship is needed, Harvard retains the discretion to determine which visa status is appropriate and whether a visa sponsorship application will ultimately be submitted, including payment of any applicable fees.

Special Instructions

Required documents

• Research summary of PhD work (1 page)
• Cover letter describing your interest in the lab and initial ideas for projects you might undertake in the lab (consult bioRxiv for the lab’s latest publications).
• Names and contact information for three people who have agreed to serve as a reference

More information

• Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science and Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology (home of the Sorger Lab) https://labsyspharm.org/
• Harvard Tissue Atlas – https://www.tissue-atlas.org/

• Start date: The position is expected to start on or around September through December 2026 with some flexibility.
• Duration: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance, business need, and continued funding to support the position.

Contact Information

Contact Email

Salary Range

This position is salaried and benefits eligible. Information regarding postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the number of years post PhD, and benefits can be found at https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines .

Minimum Number of References Required

Minimum Number of References Required 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed

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 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

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