PhD and Postdoctoral Positions in Host-Microbiome Research

Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking highly motivated PhD and Postdoctoral candidates to explore host-microbiome interactions in chronic diseases. This role involves innovative computational and experimental approaches, focusing on metabolism, nutrition, and the development of machine learning tools. Candidates will work in a dynamic research environment, collaborating with leading institutions and contributing to groundbreaking medical innovations. If you are passionate about advancing precision medicine and enjoy working in a diverse and inclusive setting, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• PhD candidates must be admitted to a relevant PhD program.
• Strong programming skills and computational analysis background required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct computational analysis of host-microbiome interactions.
• Investigate interactions using patient-derived tissues and microbial cultures.

Skills

Computational Analysis

Machine Learning

Statistical Analysis

Next-Generation Sequencing

Cell Culture Techniques

Bioinformatics

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Education

PhD in relevant field

Undergraduate or Master's degree in quantitative field

Tools

Genome-Scale Models

3D Gut Organoid Models

Natural Language Processing

Job description

PhD and Postdoctoral Positions in Host-Microbiome Research

PhD and Postdoctoral Positions in Host-Microbiome Research

Apply remote type Onsite locations Boston-MA posted on Posted Yesterday time left to apply End Date: June 26, 2025 (30+ days left to apply) job requisition id RQ4012748 Site: The General Hospital Corporation

At Mass General Brigham, we know it takes a surprising range of talented professionals to advance our mission—from doctors, nurses, business people and tech experts, to dedicated researchers and systems analysts. As a not-for-profit organization, Mass General Brigham is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve.

At Mass General Brigham, we believe a diverse set of backgrounds and lived experiences makes us stronger by challenging our assumptions with new perspectives that can drive revolutionary discoveries in medical innovations in research and patient care. Therefore, we invite and welcome applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in healthcare — people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ community, and/or gender expansive, first and second-generation immigrants, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds – to apply.

Job Summary

The Zomorrodi Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School is seeking highly motivated PhD and Postdoctoral candidates excited about studying host-microbiome interactions in chronic human diseases.

About us:
Our lab integrates innovative computational and experimental approaches to investigate the intricate interactions between the human host and microbiome, with a focus on metabolism and nutrition. We develop Genome-Scale Models (GEMs) of metabolism, build machine learning (ML) tools, and leverage 3D gut organoid models to understand the mechanisms by which microbiomes contribute to disease progression and therapeutic response. We also explore the applications of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs) in medicine and biomedicine. The overarching goal of our research is to advance precision medicine by uncovering mechanisms driving chronic disease pathogenesis and harnessing AI to streamline clinical decision-making and improve patient care.

For more information about our lab, please visit: https://zomorrodi.mgh.harvard.edu

Qualifications

Open positions:

1. PhD position in computational systems biology: A PhD candidate will focus on computational analysis of host-microbiome metabolic crosstalk in Celiac Disease (CeD) using genome-scale models. This role involves large-scale computational modeling of microbiomes and host intestinal epithelial and immune cells, multi-omics data integration, and downstream statistical and ML analysis for biomarker discovery.

Required qualifications: (i) Must be admitted to a relevant PhD program at Harvard or another Boston-area university (MIT, Boston University, etc.), (ii) Undergraduate or master’s degree in a quantitative field (e.g., Computational Biology, Computer/Data Science, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Chemical/Biomedical/Biological/Electrical Engineering) OR strong programming skills with a solid background in computational analysis.

2. Postdoctoral position in experimental microbiome research: The postdoctoral researcher will investigate host-microbiome interactions in Celiac Disease (CeD) using patient-derived 3D gut organoid models and microbial isolates. This position involves: working with human cell lines, patient-derived tissues, and microbial cultures, investigating interactions between intestinal epithelial cells, immune cells, and gut microbes, and employing next-generation sequencing (NGS) and multi-omics approaches. The postdoc will collaborate closely with co-investigators on the project.

Required qualifications: (i) PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Cell Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, Biochemistry) with a strong publication record, (ii) Experience with human cell culture, microbial culture, or next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques (preferred but not strictly required), (iii) Ability to quickly learn new experimental techniques, (iv) Strong verbal and written communication skills, (v) Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment and a rapidly evolving field.

Application process:

Interested candidates should contact Dr. Zomorrodi at [e-mail], providing a CV and a brief description of their interests. Use “PhD [or Postdoc, whichever is relevant] position in the Zomorrodi Lab” as the email subject. Applications are reviewed until the positions are filled. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Research environment:

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is a teaching hospital for Harvard Medical School and consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the U.S. Our lab is based in Boston, Massachusetts, in close proximity to world-class institutions, including MIT, The Broad Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This dynamic research environment fosters strong collaborations, intellectual exchange, and access to cutting-edge technologies.

The Zomorrodi Lab is committed to diversity and equality and encourages applications from underrepresented minorities.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Remote Type: Onsite

Work Location: 55 Fruit Street

EEO Statement:

The General Hospital Corporation is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.