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The Zomorrodi Lab is part of the Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center (MIBRC) at MassGeneral Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School. We are always on the look-out for enthusiastic and talented scientists who are passionate about working as part of an inter-disciplinary research group in a clinical environment.
Funded positions
The Zomorrodi Lab is actively seeking talented postdoctoral or PhD candidates to contribute to an NIH-funded project aiming to unrave the role of the gut microbiome in celiac disease. We have two distinct openings focused on computational and experimental projects. :
Computational project: One candidate will dive into computational analysis using genome-scale models of metabolism to study host-microbiome meteabolic interactions in celiac disease.
Experimental project: Another candidate will explore host-microbiome interactions using 3D gut-organoid models.
Requirements for PhD candidates: Admission to a PhD program at Harvard University or one of the schools in the Boston area (MIT, Boston University, …).
Requirements for postdoctoral candidates: Work experience in a relevant area (computational or experimental). Prior experience with microbiome research is an advantage but not a requirement.
Application process: Interested candidates should contact Dr. Zomorrodi, providing a CV and a brief description of their preferred project. Use “PhD [or Postdoc, whichever is relevant] position in the Zomorrodi Lab” as the email subject. Applications are reviewed until positions are filled. If selected, you’ll be contacted for an interview.
Unfunded positions
We have multiple openings in the following areas for self-funded or volunteer researchers, or for students who would like to perform their thesis or dissertation in our lab:
- Using Large Language Models (LLMs) to support clinical decision making and for biological and biomedical applications.
- Computationally investigate the role of gut microbiota in chronic diseases using genome-scale metabolic network models.
- Develop machine learning models to analyze longitudinal multi-omics data
- Construct tissue-specific and whole-body computational models of the human metabolism
Postdoctoral scholars
We currently have one or two funded postdoctoral positions in the lab (see) Funded positions for more information).
Self-funded postdoctoral candidates interested in joining the lab are also welcome to contact Ali to discuss possible opportunities. Ideally candidates have a background in a quantitative field (such as computational biology, [bio]statistics, computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering) or in a life science/biomedicine field (such as microbiology, immunology, nutrition). Candidates may work on one of the existing projects in the lab or discuss a project of mutual interest.
Clinical fellows
Clinical fellow interested in translational research related to nutrition, autoimmune diseases, metabolic diseases or cancer are welcome to contact Ali to discuss/define a research topic that is of mutual interest (no prior research experience is required).
Graduate students
We have one or two funded positions for doctoral candidates (see Funded positions for more information).
Self-funded graduate students interested in computational and systems biology research for both translational and non-translational problems may also contact Ali to discuss possible opportunities. There are also opportunities for experimental research in the lab.
Medical students
We have projects available for the HMS medical students to work as their scholarly projects. Please see “Unfunded positions” for examples of available projects. Interested students may contact Ali to discuss available projects.
Masters students
We have projects available for masters students pursing to conduct their thesis, capstone project, or volunteer research in our lab. Please see “Unfunded positions” for examples of available projects. Interested students may contact Ali to discuss available projects. Please note that we do not offer funding for masters students.
Undergraduate students
We will be happy to host aspiring and energetic undergraduate students interested in gaining research experience or who are looking for a thesis project. Ideally, we prefer undergraduate researchers who stay in the lab for at least six months. Please contact Ali to discuss available opportunities.
How to apply?
Interested candidates should send a CV and a cover letter (as a single pdf file) to azomorrodi@mgh.harvard.edu describing why they are interested in the lab and their current and future research interests. Please use “Research Opportunities in the Zomorrodi Lab” as the subject of your email.
The Zomorrodi Lab is committed to diversity and equality and encourages applications from underrepresented minorities.