Harvard/DFCI Data Science Postdoctoral Fellows 2026

Dana-Farber / Harvard · Data Science Postdoctoral Fellows · USA

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Department of Data Science continues to accept applications for its Data Science Postdoctoral Fellows Program. The 2026 cohort supports early-career researchers in applied statistics, machine learning and computational biology, with opportunities for single-mentor, co-mentored and collaborative cancer-research projects.

Rolling Applications Machine Learning Computational Biology Cancer Data Science

Programme Research Areas How to Apply

Current status: OPEN / ROLLING. Dana-Farber currently states that applications are welcomed on a rolling basis for its Data Science Postdoctoral Fellows Program.

Harvard/DFCI Data Science Postdoctoral Fellows Program 2026

The Department of Data Science at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute recruits recent PhD graduates and doctoral candidates nearing graduation who want to work at the intersection of quantitative science and cancer research.

Fellows may join a research group in the department, receive co-mentorship from multiple faculty members, or work through the Collaborative Data Science Fellows Program on biologically and clinically driven projects across Dana-Farber.

Eligibility

The programme is designed for:

recent PhD graduates;
doctoral candidates nearing graduation; and
researchers with interests in applied statistics, machine learning or computational biology.

Strong applicants will normally show evidence of rigorous quantitative research, reproducible analysis, programming and an ability to collaborate with biomedical or clinical researchers.

Current Research Areas and Mentoring

Current mentor projects include areas such as:

predictive and prognostic AI in oncology;
clinical translation of AI;
spatial omics;
computational tools for chromosomal abnormalities in cancer;
AI-driven models for directed evolution and differentiation; and
statistical methods for time-to-event outcomes in clinical research.

The Collaborative Data Science Fellows Program also pairs fellows with investigators in basic biology and clinical departments while providing co-mentorship from Department of Data Science faculty.

Funding, Appointment and Benefits

Starting salary	US$75,000
Funding	Guaranteed funding
Appointment	Year-long fellowship appointment, renewable
Academic affiliation	Harvard appointment
Additional support	Conference travel and computing equipment funds

Incoming fellows join a cohort structure with training activities, seminars and postdoctoral community events.

How to Apply

Review the current programme page and mentor list.
Identify research areas and mentors that align with your quantitative expertise.
Prepare an updated academic CV and research-focused application materials.
Use the current “Apply Here” route provided by the Department of Data Science.
Submit early even though applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Because applications are rolling, there is no single universal closing date displayed for the programme. Applicants should follow the current application form and programme page rather than an older annual deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Harvard/DFCI Data Science Postdoctoral Fellows Program open?

Yes. Dana-Farber currently states that applications are welcomed on a rolling basis.

Who can apply?

Recent PhD graduates and doctoral candidates nearing graduation with interests in applied statistics, machine learning or computational biology are encouraged to apply.

What is the starting salary?

The programme currently lists a starting salary of US$75,000.

Is funding guaranteed?

Yes. Dana-Farber states that fellows receive guaranteed funding, renewable year-long appointments, and additional support for conference travel and computing equipment.