Post Doctoral Fellow Porphyria Translational Research

Site: Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, Inc.

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Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Fellow to join a translational research team focused on erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and related porphyrias. The fellow will engage in both bench-based research and clinical study support, contributing to our understanding of genetic modifiers, disease mechanisms, and novel therapeutic approaches.

This is a dynamic and interdisciplinary role suited for a molecular biologist with strong expertise in rare hematologic or metabolic disorders, functional genomics, and translational research. The position also involves contributions to clinical trial operations, regulatory support, and patient-centered research initiatives. The position offers opportunities for authorship, career development, and exposure to collaborative research across genomics, dermatology, and hematology.

Research Program Overview:

Dr. Amy Dickey leads a translational research program focused on porphyria, a group of rare genetic disorders affecting heme biosynthesis. Her work includes clinical trials, observational registry studies, and laboratory-based investigations aimed at understanding the genetic and biological modifiers of disease severity. Current projects include identifying and characterizing genetic modifiers of EPP, understanding mechanisms of phototoxicity in EPP, investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored clinical trials, the development of digital biomarkers for light sensitivity, and the creation of a longitudinal porphyria disease registry with linked biospecimens. Dr. Dickey collaborates closely with Dr. Rebecca Karp in hematology and co-directs a multidisciplinary porphyria clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital. The lab is located within the MGH Cutaneous Biology Research Center (CBRC), offering a highly collaborative, patient-centered research environment at the intersection of genomics, clinical medicine, and therapeutic discovery.

Laboratory Research:

• Design and conduct functional studies of candidate genetic modifiers
• Perform molecular biology experiments, including digital PCR, transcriptomic profiling, and gene editing (e.g., CRISPR)
• Maintain and manipulate mammalian cell lines to model disease-relevant pathways (e.g., oxidative stress, iron metabolism, heme biosynthesis)

Clinical Research Support:

• Assist with the coordination of clinical trials and patient registry activities
• Support regulatory documentation, IRB amendments, and data quality assurance
• Engage in analysis of clinical outcome measures and patient-reported data

Academic and Collaborative Contributions:

• Prepare data and figures for publications, presentations, and grant applications
• Participate in team meetings, cross-institutional collaborations, and scientific conferences
• Contribute to mentoring students or trainees, where applicable

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MD and/or PhD, with training in molecular biology, genetics, and biomedical sciences

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Required:

• Advanced expertise in molecular biology, cell culture, and functional assays
• Strong data interpretation, scientific writing, and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
• Enthusiasm for translational research and rare disease impact

Preferred:

• Experience with transcriptomic analyses (bulk or single-cell RNA-seq), CRISPR-based screening, or pathway-level interpretation of omics data
• Prior experience with rare disease models or metabolic/hematologic disorders
• Familiarity with IRB protocols, REDCap, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position involves a combination of laboratory, clinical research, and office-based work. The Research Specialist role will involve the following:

• Work in a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory environment, handling human cell lines and biological specimens following institutional safety protocols.
• Use standard molecular biology and cell culture equipment (e.g., pipettes, centrifuges, PCR machines).
• Spend extended periods at a computer for data analysis, literature review, and manuscript preparation.
• Assist with clinical research activities, including working with patient data and supporting study visits in hospital or clinic settings (if applicable).
• Adhere to all institutional policies regarding biosafety, human subjects protection, and data confidentiality.
• May occasionally be required to attend meetings or conferences outside of regular working hours or travel for collaborative research activities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Instructs new technicians and students

If interested in the position, please email a cover letter, CV, and three references to Amy Dickey at adickey@mgh.harvard.edu.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

55 Fruit Street

EEO Statement:

Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership "looks like" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.