Postdoctoral Researcher/The Strategic Research Programme for Diabetes (1) Early-onset type 2 diabetes, nationwide investigation of etiology and prognosis

Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine

Overview of the Position

The Strategic Research Programme in 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. As part of this programme, we are looking to recruit 6 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 in a competitive lab and be part of the SRP Diabetes dynamic research environment where several events will be held throughout the year such as high-profile lectures, symposia, internal retreat, etc. which the fellows will attend.

The fellowships are fully funded, and salary is provided for a 2-year period. It is our intention that the positions will start in the spring of 2025, though some flexibility with the start date might be possible.

Research project:

Early-onset type 2 diabetes, nationwide investigation of etiology and prognosis.

A rise in early-onset (age <40) type 2 diabetes has raised concerns due to its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. This project will address critical knowledge gaps regarding the causes and consequences of early-onset type 2 diabetes. It is based on a cohort consisting of the entire Swedish population with linkages between relatives and information from nationwide registers covering a 30-year time span together with biobank data for a subset. The project combines traditional cohort designs with family-based designs to minimize confounding and for familial aggregation and heritability studies. The goal is to be able to identify high risk individuals and key factors contributing to poor prognosis to improve primary and secondary prevention. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive research effort on early-onset type 2 diabetes to date and the post doc will play a key role in its realisation.

Key responsibilities of the selected applicant

• Plan, manage and conduct an agreed academic research project and associated activities.
• Develop research questions and protocols.
• Manage and analyse detailed and complex quantitative data from a variety of sources using advanced epidemiological and biostatistical methods.
• 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.
• Write research articles at an international level for peer-reviewed journals.
• 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.
• If warranted, teach epidemiological methods within the master and PhD programs at KI.

Selection Criteria

Essential   

• A PhD in medical science (to be completed in 2024).
• A formal education in epidemiology or biostatistics.
• Prior experience in working with different types of epidemiological study designs.
• Experience in handling large databases and advanced statistical modelling, excellent data management skills and solid knowledge of common statistical software (as a minimum SAS and R). A strong CV, having published in high impact journals and presented at international meetings.
• Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Ability to work with meticulous attention to detail.
• An enthusiastic interest in diabetes research.
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills, 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.
• Experience in teaching epidemiological methods.

Each Fellowship is for two years. To be eligible for employment as a post doctor a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree is required. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled at the latest at the time of the employment decision. It is considered as an advantage if you have completed your doctoral degree within the last three years, if there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier.

Location: Solna

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 position. 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.

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

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

The closing date for applications is midnight CEST on Saturday 31th August, 2024.

Working at Karolinska Institutet

For further information about working at Karolinska Institutet, rules for visa/residence permit, insurance and accommodation please see: https://staff.ki.se/international-staff