Post Doctoral Fellow Porphyria Translational Research

Mass General Physicians Organization
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
55 Fruit Street (Show on map)
Jul 23, 2025
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:* 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. Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. 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.