Harvard University

Position

Details

TitlePostdoctoral Fellow in Translation Ovarian Cancer ResearchSchoolHarvard Medical SchoolDepartment/AreaHarvard Program in Therapeutic SciencePosition Description

We invite applicants for a postdoctoral fellow position in the Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology (LSP; https://labsyspharm.org/), part of the Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts working under the supervision of Professors Peter Sorger and Sandro Santagata. The work of the group is focused on understanding molecular programs that initiate and promote early-stage cancer, and countervailing immunoediting processes that seek to control and eradicate these cancers. This project specifically focuses on ovarian cancer, a difficult-to-treat and life-threatening cancer for which early detection and intervention promise to improve outcomes. We welcome applications from PhD and MD PhD graduates interested in this problem, particularly those who may bring a new expertise or perspective to bear on the work in the lab.

The successful candidate will develop an independent research project within the scope of the lab’s research focus on early-stage ovarian cancer and its immediate precursor, serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma, in human patients. Additional information on this topic can be found at Kader, Santagata et al (2025) https://doi.org/10.1158/2159-8290.cd-24-1366. In addition to carrying out both wet-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. The candidate will work at the bench part of the time, use a variety of advanced tissue imaging and microscopy methods, and perform computational data analysis. Previous experience in translational cancer biology or immunology, spatial biology, and microscopy are preferred but not required.

The LSP is a highly interdisciplinary environment spanning multiple HMS departments and HMS-affiliated hospitals led by leading research and clinical faculty and an exceptional team of senior research scientists. Successful candidates must be committed to working within this collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. The LSP also provides and exceptional training environment: over 40 alumni have established independent academic labs, and many others have prospered in biotech, pharma, or startup companies.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in laboratory (wet-bench) research in areas such as cancer, immunology, microscopy, histopathology or related fields

• Evidence of original contributions to research via peer-reviewed publications, posters and presentations, and open-source software or analysis tools

• Proficiency in, or a strong interest in learning computational data analysis.

Additional QualificationsSpecial Instructions

Required documents:

• CV

• Research summary of PhD work

• Cover letter describing your interest in the lab and initial ideas for new research directions or projects you could undertake in the lab.

• Names and contact information for three people who have agreed to serve as a reference

Please submit application documents through the ARIeS portal. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis starting on February 1, 2026. Selected candidates will be invited for in-person interviews involving a research presentation on past work.

Contact Information

Tyson Schrader, Administrative Manager
tyson_schrader@hms.harvard.edu

Peter Sorger, Head of HiTS
sorger_admin@hms.harvard.edu

Contact Emailtyson_schrader@hms.harvard.edu; sorger_admin@hms.harvard.eduSalary Range

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.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy.

Minimum Number of References Required3Maximum Number of References AllowedKeywords

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

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Cover Letter

3. Statement of Research

4. List of References

Optional Documents