Postdoctoral Researcher in Long non-coding RNAs regulation of the insulin response in fat cells

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Position

Postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Medicine – Huddinge working in the research group of Dr. Alastair Kerr. The employment contract is for 2 years with the option and funding available to extend for a further two years.

The research group

The adipocyte expresses over 4000 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), many uniquely expressed in fat cells. However, how these polymeric molecules function in concert with the metabolic machinery of the cell is not well understood. In our laboratory, we investigate how lncRNAs adapt the adipocyte for specialised function, specifically in the context of lipid droplet metabolism. Our investigation focuses on lncRNAs that may underline compromised metabolic flexibility and contribute to cardiometabolic disease pathogenesis.

We integrate findings from well-characterized human white adipose tissue (WAT) biopsies and large population genetics to identify lncRNAs implicated in lipid metabolism and cardiometabolic disease. The disease-associated lncRNAs are investigated in human adipocyte cell models and using CRISPRi/a gene perturbation coupled to lipidomic/metabolomics, we aim to understand the effect of the lncRNA expression on adipocyte metabolism. In addition, we use gene variant editing in human adipocytes to understand how single nucleotide polymorphisms located in lncRNA gene loci lead to alterations in lipid droplet metabolism.

Research Project:

Understanding how long non-coding RNAs promote metabolic flexibility through controlling adipocyte insulin sensitivity.

The postdoctoral fellow will determine how disease-relevant long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate adipocyte insulin sensitivity and in turn metabolic health. This will be achieved by investigating human white adipose tissue (WAT) biopsies taken before and after systemic insulin infusion and couple these findings with state-of-the-art cellular models and in-house developed molecular approaches. This project aims to understand how lncRNAs contribute to the insulin response in adipocytes and discover novel targets that can be approached therapeutically.

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

Essential 

• A PhD in a medical/biological subject (to be completed in 2025).
• Strong experimental background in molecular biology.
• 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.
• An enthusiastic interest in diabetes research.
• 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.

Highly advantageous

• An ability to analyse omic datasets using R/Python or equivalent programming language. This should be highlighted in the cover letter through published examples in journals or online.
• Advanced confocal or super resolution microscopy of subcellular compartments.
• Demonstrated experience performing RNA-FISH-IF experiments.

It is not expected that a candidate will have acquired all of these skills but PhD training that incorporated the above methodologies will certainly strengthen an application.

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher 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

Choose to work at KI – Ten reasons why

https://ki.se/en/research/groups/long-noncoding-rna-in-the-adipocyte-alastair-kerr-research-group

How to apply

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 241114

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