Kahn began as an instructor at Harvard Medical School. In 1989, she became an assistant professor. From 1990 to 2000, she was chief of the diabetes unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. In 2000, she was made full professor and chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. She served in this position until 2011, when she became vice chair for research strategy.[1]
She became an associate member of the Broad Institute in 2006 and was promoted to institute member in 2018.[1]
Her research focuses on insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Her lab has identified signaling pathways involved in insulin sensitivity, weight maintenance, and regulation of hunger.[3] She has also been involved in research on the GLUT4 transporter and its role in the regulation of glucose tolerance.[4]