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 program for postdoctoral research fellows. The Programme is focused on research in diabetes and its comorbidities. With this postdoctoral program 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 program, 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 program, 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

Identification of reno-protective molecular signatures in diabetic nephropathy using single cell transcriptomics

Therapeutical options for diabetic nephropathy are limited and often of poor efficacy. The overarching goal of this translational project is to define the molecular fingerprints of reno-protective drugs at the single cell level in kidney tissue, with the purpose of identifying underlying cellular mechanisms that slow the progression of nephropathy. We use single cell RNA sequencing to extensively profile mouse/human kidney tissue and urine samples in healthy and diabetic conditions. Studies will be complemented with experiments in kidney organoids. Key molecular mechanisms identified will be validated and investigated further using transgenic mouse models.

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. This includes optimization and conduction of single cell sorting experiments in mouse and human tissues, as well as in urine samples. Integrate and analyze, together with a bioinformatician, the single cell sequencing data to pinpoint key reno-protective molecular mechanisms. Validate key findings in patient cohorts and perform mechanistic studies in novel transgenic mouse lines. The study is done as a team in close collaboration with a bioinformatician and other scientists.

Selection Criteria
Essential:

A PhD in a medical/biological subject (to be completed latest during 2021).
A strong CV, having published in high quality journals and presented at international meetings.

We seek highly motivated candidates who have an enthusiastic interest in diabetes research. The candidates should have excellent planning, organizational and problem-solving skills, as well as have strong verbal and written communication ability in English. Skills in experimental mouse work are desired. Previous experience with single cell RNAseq or experimental kidney research is an advantage. Experience with flow cytometry is also appreciated. In addition, competence in basic molecular biology lab techniques, such as DNA/RNA/protein isolation, qPCR and immunohistochemical methods, is a necessity.

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 organisations, 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.

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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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