Postdoctoral Researcher/The Strategic Research Programme for Diabetes

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The Strategic Research Programme for Diabetes (SRP Diabetes) at Karolinska Institutet is funding a prestigious fellowship programme for postdoctoral research fellows. The Programme is focused on research in diabetes and its comorbidities. With this postdoctoral programme SRP Diabetes aims to support the next generation of exceptional young scientists within the diabetes area, including both experimental and clinical research. To promote cross-fertilization between research environments, we encourage scientists wishing to pursue postdoctoral training in a different university from where they carried out doctoral studies. As part of this programme, we are looking to recruit 5 outstanding postdoctoral research fellows. Full details on each project and contact information to the PIs can be found at: http://ki.se/en/srp-diabetes/postdoctoral-fellowships.

Based at Karolinska Institutet, fellows will undertake a cutting-edge research project, mentored by world-leading researchers in the field of diabetes. To increase coherence around the Fellowship programme, several events will be held throughout the year such as high-profile lectures, symposia, etc. which the fellows will attend.

The fellowships are fully funded, and salary is provided for a 2-year period. If contingent funding is secured by the SRP Diabetes Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme, Principal Investigators together with the Fellows will be able to apply for a one-year extension of the Fellowship. It is our intention that the positions will start in the autumn of 2021, though some flexibility with the start date might be possible.

Research Project

Mitochondria-encoded circular RNAs in diabetic foot ulcers.

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, and increased understanding of its molecular pathogenesis is needed to develop more effective treatments. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a class of RNA with the 3′ and 5′ ends covalently linked, which widespread in eukaryotes has only been recognized lately; however, increasing evidence has demonstrated their important roles in health and diseases. A novel type of mitochondria-encoded circRNAs (mecciRNAs) has been discovered in humans and mice recently. The purpose of this research project is to unravel the role(s) of mecciRNAs in skin wound healing and to explore the therapeutic potential of modulating circRNAs in DFU. The findings of this study will, from a new angle, add to our understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetic ulcers and may uncover novel drug targets for further clinical studies.

The successful candidate will work in the wound healing research group headed by Dr. Ning Xu Landén (https://www.xulandenlab.com/). The group belongs to the Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine Solna and the Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, and is physically located at the Centre of Molecular Medicine (CMM; https://www.cmm.ki.se/).

Your profile

Qualified to be employed as a postdoctor is one who has obtained a doctorate or has equivalent scientific competence. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) date of employment. This must be substantiated by the applicant's main supervisor, director or equivalent.

Key responsibilities of the selected applicant:

Plan, manage and conduct an agreed academic research project and associated activities.
Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
Develop research questions, analyse detailed and complex qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, and contribute original ideas for new research projects.
Coordinate multiple aspects of work to deliver novel research data in accordance with established timelines set between you and the Principal Investigator.
Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols to support research.
Regularly write research articles at an international level for peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and reviews.
Formally present your research and represent the research group at internal, national and international conferences and meetings, either with other members of the team or alone.
Informally present your research to the group at established meetings.
Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.

Selection Criteria

Required skills of the successful candidate are:

A PhD in a medical/biological subject (or in exceptional cases to be completed in 2021).
The ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities.
A strong CV, having published in high impact journals and presented at international meetings.
Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation.
Ability to work with meticulous attention to detail.
Research experience in one or more of the following areas: diabetes, mitochondrial biology, wound healing, and RNA research.
Extensive experience with tissue culture, molecular and biochemical techniques.
Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills and leadership, with the ability to communicate research ideas and results in a clear and logical way and the ability to confidently and effectively interact with colleagues and the broader research community.
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
A conscientious and enthusiastic working approach.
Excellent planning, organizational and problem-solving skills.

We will look favorably upon if the candidate has experiences in one or more of the following areas:

Biochemical approaches to study the interaction of RNA, protein, and DNA
Animal models
Histology techniques such as in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry
Skin 3D organoid culture
Flow cytometry
High-throughput screen
Bioinformatic skills
Method development

Each Fellowship and research Project is for up to two years (with possibility to apply for a 1-year extension). We will prioritize applicants who have the opportunity to complete the project and be employed for two years. Preference should be given to those who were awarded a PhD or attained equivalent research competence no more than three years prior to the expiry of the application period for the position as postdoc.

What do we offer?

Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles employees to several benefits such as extended holiday and a generous occupational pension. Employees also have free access to our modern gym and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Application

If you consider that you meet the selection criteria, click on the Login and apply button on this page and follow the on-screen instructions to register as a user. You will then be required to provide information in a number of screens with your application details, relating to your skills and experience. When prompted, please provide details of three references. You will also be required to upload a CV and Personal Letter which explains how you meet the selection criteria for the post. The Personal Letter (maximum two pages) should explain your relevant experience which may have been gained in employment, education, or you may have taken time away from these activities as illness, military service, work for labour unions or student organizations, parental leave or similar circumstances. Your application will be judged in part on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria outlined above and we are happy to consider evidence of transferable skills or experience which you may have gained outside the context of paid employment or education.

Please save all uploaded documents to show your name and the document type.

Welcome to apply at the latest 2021-06-06 (midnight CEST).

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

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