Post-Doctoral Research Fellow – HBV Biomarkers and Liquid Biopsy

Site: Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, Inc.

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Job Summary

Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Harvard Medical School
Department: Medicine – Gastroenterology / Hepatology
A Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is available at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School to support a research project focused on the development and clinical validation of blood-based biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
This project involves analysis of tumor-derived HBV–host junction sequences (HBV-JS) using next-generation sequencing (NGS), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and integration of molecular data with clinical and imaging datasets. The fellow will work closely with Dr. Ray Chung and Dr. Doan Dao, investigators at MGH and collaborate with external partners, including the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute (BSBI), PA, USA.
This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in translational research spanning computational biology, molecular diagnostics, and clinical data integration.
Key Responsibilities:
• Perform bioinformatic and statistical analyses of NGS data, including detection and characterization of HBV–host junction sequences (HBV-JS)
• Develop and maintain computational pipelines for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and viral genomic analysis
• Integrate genomic, clinical, and imaging datasets to support biomarker development and validation
• Contribute to study design, data interpretation, manuscript preparation, and grant reporting
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across MGH and partner institutions
Wet Lab Responsibilities (optional):
• Participate in molecular laboratory activities, including DNA extraction, qPCR, and NGS library preparation, as appropriate
• Support assay optimization and validation efforts in collaboration with BSBI and MGH laboratories
• Gain exposure to experimental workflows supporting translational biomarker development

Education:

• PhD, MD, or equivalent in bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field

Experience in one or more of the following

• Next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis

• Bioinformatics or computational biology

• Cancer genomics, virology, or molecular diagnostics

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or equivalent

• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in liquid biopsy, circulating DNA analysis, or viral genomics

• Familiarity with clinical datasets and translational research

• Experience with molecular biology techniques (PCR, sequencing)

• Interest in bridging computational and experimental approaches

Salary and Benefits

• The salary range for this position is $71,750 to $73,544.

• Salary will be commensurate with experience and in accordance with Mass General Brigham/Harvard Medical School postdoctoral salary guidelines.

• A comprehensive benefits package is available through Mass General Brigham.

Visa Sponsorship

• Visa sponsorship is available for qualified candidates. International applicants are encouraged to apply.

Training and Career Development

The fellow will receive mentorship in:

• Translational biomarker development

• Clinical research integration

• Grant writing and scientific communication

We’re excited to learn more about you! To apply for this position, please email your CV and cover letter directly to the contacts below. Please do not apply through this link. 

Raymond Chung, MD [email protected]

Doan Dao, MD [email protected]

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