Position Information

Title
Postdoctoral Fellow – Computational Immunology & Translational Oncology

School
Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

Department/Area
Not specified

Position Description

About the Wyss

The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground-breaking technologies into commercial products that solve big problems. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky. We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges. For more information, discover our technologies, catch up on our recent news, or watch our latest videos.

About this Role

The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University seeks outstanding postdoctoral applicants with expertise in immunology and computational biology, specifically bulk/single cell sequencing and AI/ML workflows, to join an interdisciplinary team of biologists and engineers to leverage in vitro organ-on-a-chip (Organ Chip) microfluidic culture systems and injectable formulations to study and model adaptive immunity in female reproductive tract cancers.

The position is within a team lead by Dr. Don Ingber and Dr. Girija Goyal which is developing model systems and AI tools to help pharma and regulatory authorities make better decisions and therapies to treat these diseases.

In addition to contributing to or leading the publication of research articles, this role provides the opportunity to present your research to regulatory agencies, investors, pharma companies etc. This role may also provide the opportunity to join a spin-out company as part of the founding team.

Learn more:
https://wyss.harvard.edu/technology/inode-implantable-lymphoid-organs-for-ovarian-cancer-therapy/

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Integrate multi-omics, spatial pathology, and clinical datasets to identify biomarkers of therapy responsiveness, define cancer patient subpopulations most likely to benefit from therapy, and support biomarker-informed clinical translation.
• Develop, use, and evolve computational pipelines for:Work closely with cross-functional team members to develop hypotheses, interpret data, and advance project goals.
  • Analysis of bulk and single cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and proteomics datasets.
  • Integration of experimental model data with public and clinical datasets.
  • Statistical modeling and survival analysis.
  • Machine learning and retrieval-augmented AI models for biomarker prioritization and decision support.
• Work closely with the organ chip bench team to assist and/or independently design, develop, and execute in vitro experimental protocols; generate robust and consistent data of high quality with clear scientific documentation.
• Present key results to project teams and stakeholders.
• Contribute to grants, publications, and patent applications.
• Mentor students and technicians and provide project feedback.

Additional Information

• We encourage candidates to apply by July 22, 2026.
• 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.

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
• Representation by the Harvard Academic Workers (HAW) – UAW.
• Access to Harvard libraries and research core facilities.
• Support from the Wyss Clinical & Translational Research Core and Machine Shop.
• Administrative and operational support.
• Flexible work arrangements for some administrative positions dependent on Institute needs.
• Newly constructed office and laboratory space in Boston's Fenway District with amenities including:
  • Roof top terrace
  • Fitness center
  • Locker room
  • Bike storage
  • Close proximity to restaurants and cultural attractions

Why You'll Like Working With Us

At the Wyss Institute, you’re a member of a supportive, dynamic community that is united by its shared goal of changing the world through groundbreaking technology development and commercialization.

We encourage your professional growth and development through mentorship and tuition reimbursement to support continued learning, and more.

Our facility is located in a new, state-of-the-art life sciences building in the lively Fenway neighborhood, where you have access to multiple amenities including a roof top terrace with stunning views of Boston and proximity to numerous restaurants and cultural attractions.

We value an inclusive and diverse workforce, and believe that our differences enrich the work environment for all.

Basic Qualifications

Applicants must have:

• Ph.D.
• Experience with computer programming such as R and/or Python.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative interdisciplinary team.

Additional Qualifications (Preferred)

• Experience analyzing and integrating multi-omics datasets.
• Research experience in cancer immunology and biomarker discovery.
• Machine learning and statistical modeling experience.
• Interest in AI-assisted decision-support systems.
• Experience with primary human and cancer cell culture and advanced laboratory techniques.
• Strong research record.
• Excellent organizational and technical writing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit:

• Complete resume
• Cover letter describing research interests and goals
• Full publication list
• Copies of up to three relevant scientific papers
• PDF or Word document containing names and contact information for three references

Contact Information

Wyss Institute Academic Affairs

Email: Academic.Affairs@wyss.harvard.edu

Salary

$72,000–$77,500 (depending on experience)

Keywords

Computational Immunology, Computational Biology, AI/ML Workflows, Biomarkers, Cancer Biology

Equal Employment Opportunity

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that prohibits 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.

Supplemental Questions

• How did you hear about this position?
• Do you hold a doctoral degree?
• Are you authorized to work in the United States?
• Do you require immediate sponsorship for employment visa status?
• Do you require future sponsorship for employment visa status?

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Publication
• List of References

Optional Documents

• Publication 2
• Publication 3
• Other