Postdoctoral Fellow in Pre-Cancer Atlas (Santagata Lab)

Postdoctoral Fellow in Pre-Cancer Atlas (Santagata Lab) Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Pre-Cancer Atlas (Santagata Lab) School School Harvard Medical School Department/Area Department/Area Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science Position Description We invite applications for a postdoctoral fellow position in the Santagata Lab at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on the Gray Foundation BRCA Pre-Cancer Atlas initiative. This project is centered on understanding the earliest stages of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) by integrating spatial multi-omic profiling with computational analysis to define how precancerous lesions evolve into invasive disease. The work aims to move beyond descriptive atlases toward identifying the biological states and transitions that determine when a lesion becomes dangerous and where intervention is possible. Recent work from this program includes two key studies in Cancer Discovery that define the molecular and spatial progression of ovarian cancer precursors. One study used multimodal spatial profiling to reveal a transition from immune surveillance to immune suppression during progression from early lesions to cancer (Kader et al., Cancer Discovery 2025). A second study developed ORION - FISH, a method that integrates chromosomal copy-number alterations with protein-defined cell states in intact tissue, linking early genomic changes (e.g., MYC, CCNE1 gains) to local immune microenvironments at single-cell resolution. Together, these studies establish a framework for understanding how genomic, immune, and microenvironmental factors interact during the earliest phases of tumor evolution. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Santagata and collaborators across Harvard Medical School, Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute, and the University of Pennsylvania to define the next phase of the Pre‑Cancer Atlas and translate its insights into clinically actionable strategies. Ongoing efforts focus on building an integrated, multi‑modal map of early ovarian cancer evolution using CyCIF, ORION, GeoMx, and Xenium; establishing direct links between genomic alterations, epithelial cell states, and immune microenvironments; and identifying the biological transitions that mark the shift from benign or indolent lesions to high‑risk, intervention‑relevant states. A central goal of the program is to move beyond cataloging features to discovering the rules that govern progression and vulnerability – including how early chromosomal instability, immune remodeling, and metabolic stress interact within intact tissue architecture. These insights are being leveraged to develop image‑based and molecular biomarkers for early detection, risk stratification, and therapeutic interception, with direct paths toward clinical translation. The fellow will have the opportunity to lead independent, high‑impact projects within this framework, including defining new biological axes of progression, developing integrative computational models of early disease states, and contributing to the design of next‑generation diagnostic and intervention strategies. In addition to conducting research, the fellow will be expected to contribute to grant and manuscript writing, mentor junior trainees, and participate in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment. Basic Qualifications Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in cancer biology, computational biology, systems biology, bioengineering, or related fields Experience or strong interest in cancer biology, tumor microenvironment, or early disease progression Quantitative or computational skills are highly valued (e.g., Python/R, image analysis, genomics) 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. 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 . 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Harvard University