Postdoctoral position in mitochondrial metabolism and transport
School    Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Department/Area    

Position Description    
A postdoctoral position is available in the Kory lab in the Department of Molecular Metabolism at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
We are looking for highly motivated individuals to join our efforts in studying mitochondrial metabolism and transport in mammals. The strong focus on metabolism research in the Department and the general excellence of biomedical research in the area provide an ideal environment for postdoctoral training in metabolism, cell biology and metabolic diseases, including cancer. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/molecular-metabolism/

Research in the Kory lab focuses on the role of organelles in metabolic compartmentalization and regulation. Our current work centers on mitochondria, critical organelles in metabolism generating both energy and precursors for biosynthesis. Beyond their metabolic roles, mitochondria are being recognized as important signaling hubs and mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with major diseases including cancer, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. For mitochondria to function properly metabolites must be efficiently exchanged with the rest of the cell in a regulated manner. While metabolites can diffuse through pores in the outer membrane, the inner mitochondrial membrane is impermeable to most metabolites and separates two chemically contrasting environments.

The Kory lab takes multi-faceted approaches including functional genomics, metabolite profiling, cell biology, biochemistry and imaging to understand how mitochondria achieve efficient metabolite exchange and conversion while maintaining the unique chemical environment of the mitochondrial matrix. Our goal is to use mitochondrial transporter proteins as tools to interrogate metabolic and signaling pathways to understand how mitochondria perform their roles in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Ultimately, we hope our research will contribute to progress in the treatment of diseases with deregulated metabolism such as cancer.

Current projects address

• how mitochondrial metabolite flux is adjusted to proliferative demand and cell function
• how metabolic processes inside mitochondria, such as TCA cycle, electron transport chain and one-carbon metabolism are coordinated with cytosolic metabolism 
• what the roles of mitochondrial metabolites are in metabolic signaling, communication and regulation of physiology 

We are building a supportive training and mentoring environment to answer these questions at the molecular and physiological level.

Kory Lab Website: www.kory-lab.com 

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks to recruit, develop, promote, and retain the world’s best scholars. We are committed to upholding the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our hiring and promotion processes. Women and individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Harvard University seeks to find, develop, promote, and retain the world’s best scholars. Harvard is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged.

Information on resources for career development and work/life balance at HSPH can be found at: http://hsph.me/resources-career-development-and-work-life-balance 

Basic Qualifications     

• Ph.D. in biological sciences, biophysics, biochemistry, or related filed
• Motivation to understand metabolism, normal biology and disease at a mechanistic level
• Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills

Additional Qualifications    

• Biochemistry/Structural Biology
• Metabolomics, mass spectrometry
• Animal experiments (e.g., genetic, surgical)
• Microscopy 

Special Instructions    
Please email application materials including:

CV and contact information for 2-3 references to Dr. Nora Kory- nkory@hsph.harvard.edu

Contact Information    
Dr. Nora Kory

Contact Email    nkory@hsph.harvard.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer     
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.