Postdoctoral Researcher/The Strategic Research Programme for Diabetes (5) Spatially resolving the response to anti-hyperglycemic drugs in adipose tissue

Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medicine Huddinge

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

Project title:
Spatially resolving the response to anti-hyperglycemic drugs in adipose tissue

Brief description of the project:
Increased white adipose tissue mass is linked to type 2 diabetes, which in turn can be treated with several different anti-hyperglycemic drugs. However, there are large interindividual variations in the efficacy and side-effects of these interventions. We hypothesize that distinct adipocyte subtypes determine insulin sensitivity and outcomes following interventions with anti-hyperglycemic drugs. This project will test our model by spatially resolving treatment responses in human WAT based on samples from a clinical trial called DIASPAX (NCT05501483). In the study, we obtain adipose tissue biopsies, which we will use to generate single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomic data. By jointly analyzing these data together with functional assessment of the tissue and assessments of clinical phenotypes, we will for the first-time link white adipose tissue heterogeneity to treatment responses. We are now looking for an ambitious postdoctoral fellow that will perform single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomic analyses. The work will be undertaken in collaboration with other experts within the group as well as with members of the lab of Patrik Ståhl at SciLifeLab. There will be possibilities to follow-up key findings with wet lab experiments using state-of-the-art methods.

Key responsibilities of the selected applicant

• Plan, manage and conduct an agreed academic research project and associated activities.
• Test hypotheses and analyze scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
• Develop research questions, analyze 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

Essential

The person appointed should have a PhD in a relevant field. Experience in common programming languages, e.g., R/Python, and operating systems, e.g., Linux, is highly meritorious. It is a clear strength if the applicant has a proven track record in analyzing large datasets and it is expected that the candidate should be able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently. Good knowledge in English, written and spoken, is a requirement.

Each Fellowship is for two years. To be eligible for employment as a postdoctor 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: Flemingsberg

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.

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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