Karolinska Institutet,

The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) is a department with a strong focus on basic science. CMB conducts research and education in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, cancer and infection biology.

Division and project description
Obesity, diabetes and associated metabolic disease are becoming one of the most significant issues affecting modern health and medicine. Central to this is the adipose tissue. No longer considered merely a passive energy store, adipose tissue is fast emerging as a far more complex and heterogeneous tissue than previously believed. Yet much about fundamental adipose biology remains poorly understood.

The Spalding research group is interested in the maintenance (turnover) and heterogeneity of adipocytes in adult human adipose tissue. A broad range of methods are used to investigate this, including radiocarbon dating, retrospective lineage tracing and transcriptional profiling. The successful candidate will investigate the origin of different fat cells using single cell RNA sequencing techniques. To reach this goal, the group has set up methods for gene expression analysis of human adipose cells that can be used to understand transcriptional changes in tissues and cells. These data are analyzed by advanced bioinformatics methods to reveal new information about the origin and heterogeneity of human adipose cells.

Entry requirements
To qualify, the applicant must hold a PhD. Experience in the field of metabolism and working with fat tissue/adipocytes is essential. The applicant should have experience in molecular biology techniques, handling and working with adipose tissue (experience working with human adipose tissue is an advantage), immunohistochemistry and cell-sorting using FACS. Single-cell library preparation (SmartSeq2) and bioinformatics knowledge is preferred.

The project is heavily dependent on technique development, so the ideal candidate should enjoy problem solving, be persistent, resourceful and self motivated. An ability to work independently is vital. Good English oral and written skills are a must.

Type of scholarship
A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent. This educational scholarship is tax-exempt.

The amount is set for twelve months at a time and is paid out on a monthly basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

Scholarships for carrying out postdoctoral research may be granted to persons living in other countries who come to Sweden with the intention of only staying in Sweden for all or part of their postdoctoral education at KI. Persons who are resident in Sweden and/or have carried out all or part of their academic education at KI or some other educational institution in Sweden cannot be considered for scholarships from KI. The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish PhD or higher.

Application process

An application must contain the following documents in English:

  1. Curriculum vitae and qualifications, presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet’s qualifications portfolio (http://ki.se/meritportfolj )
  2. A complete list of publications
  3. A summary of current work (no more than one page)
  4. Verifications for crediting of illness, military service, work for labour unions or studentorganisations, parental leave or similar circumstances

The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system.

First day of employment Immediately
Reference number 2-2292/2018
Contact
  • Kirsty Spalding, Phd, Kirsty.Spalding@ki.se
Published 20.Apr.2018
Last application date 10.Jun.2018 11:59 PM CEST

Return to job vacancies