Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Wolpin-Nowak Lab

Overview

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute seeks a Research Fellow to focus on next-generation, translational pathology studies who will work within the Wolpin-Nowak laboratory ( as part of the Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research ( and the Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Our research group investigates the biology and risk factors associated with pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers. We aim to improve outcomes for patients with these diseases both by identifying cancer earlier, when the chance for a cure is greater, and by improving therapy. We focus on learning from cancer patients by studying human biospecimens so that our discoveries can be rapidly and confidently translated into improved clinical care.

Our laboratory members include epidemiologists, biostatisticians, pathologists, data scientists, molecular biologists, and clinical researchers, all of whom contribute their unique expertise to our lab’s work. We employ a broad variety of analysis approaches and techniques in our laboratory, including population-scale epidemiology studies, digital pathology, genomic sequencing, and spatial transcriptomic and protein profiling. Our tissue profiling work encompasses both clinical trial correlative studies and landscape-directed discovery studies. We work closely with the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center Biobank to acquire blood, tissue, and other sample types from patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Finally, we routinely collaborate both with investigators at Dana-Farber and across the nation to study pancreatic cancer using model systems and to conduct and lead clinical trials.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct studies using multiplex immunofluorescence, spatial transcriptional profiling, and other cutting-edge, high-dimensional tissue analysis approaches to evaluate pancreatic cancer pathology using human tissue specimens

• Assemble analysis pipelines using machine learning to process tissue data reproducibly and at scale

• Conduct analyses using programming languages such as R and Python

• Collaborate with other laboratory members with expertise in epidemiology, bioinformatics, pathology, molecular biology, and functional genomics

• Participate in group meetings and work collaboratively on larger projects with other group members

• Lead projects that result in first-author manuscripts

• Write grants and progress reports related to research funding

Qualifications:

• Candidates should hold a doctoral degree in genetics/genomics, cancer biology, pathology or related fields.

• Multidisciplinary training and experience in multiple of these fields is desirable.

• MD or MD-equivalent and PhD-holding candidates will both be considered; MD/PhD-holding candidates with pathology training are highly encouraged to apply.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong background in human pathology

• Experience with traditional pathology laboratory techniques, including slide sectioning, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry and special stains a plus

• Experience with translational pathology techniques, including multiplexed immunofluorescence, spatial transcriptomics, and RNA in situ hybridization a plus

• Experience with digital image analysis platforms (Halo, VisioPharm, QuPath, InForm, etc.) a plus

• Experience with R, Python, and commonly used libraries/packages a plus

• Enthusiasm for novel assay and technology development

• Ability to independently analyze information and troubleshoot when required

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing work tasks

• Ability to work within a team environment

• Adaptability to a fast-paced, dynamic environment

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$72,000.00 - $76,385.00