Postdoctoral Researcher in Adipocyte Biology and Druggable Target Discovery

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The Rydén and Mejhert Laboratory investigates how alterations in human white adipocyte function contribute to cardiometabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis. Our multidisciplinary team, comprising 15–20 members—senior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, PhD and master’s students, and technical staff—conducts cutting-edge translational research. We are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a comprehensive preclinical laboratory at NEO and a dedicated clinical research unit at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, enabling seamless integration from basic science to clinical application.

Your mission

We are seeking an ambitious postdoctoral fellow to lead innovative research at the intersection of adipose tissue biology and cardiometabolic disease, conducted in collaboration with Novo Nordisk. This unique project aims to uncover druggable targets that link disturbances in white adipose tissue with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Our large clinical cohort includes participants grouped by the presence or absence of type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease. From these individuals, we have collected adipose tissue biopsies and will generate proteomic data for in-depth analysis. By integrating these results with clinical parameters, this project will provide the first direct association between white adipose tissue dysfunction and these serious cardiometabolic complications.

The successful candidate will conduct proteomic analyses and validate key findings in an adipocyte model system, working closely with our team and Novo Nordisk researchers. This role involves regular visits to Copenhagen for collaborative meetings, supporting a dynamic exchange of ideas and resources to accelerate progress.

The position is funded for two years, with the possibility of a two-year extension based on project outcomes.

Your profile

To qualify for this postdoctoral position, you must hold a doctoral degree or equivalent. This requirement must be met by the time of appointment. Ideally, you completed your doctoral degree within the past three years, though exceptions will be considered for special circumstances.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in cell and molecular biology techniques, including cloning and cell culture, as well as bioinformatics expertise, ideally with proficiency in R, Python, or similar languages. Experience in CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing is highly advantageous and will greatly support the project’s aims.

The successful applicant will have a proven ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently while contributing to a collaborative research environment. Proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential for effective communication and reporting.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.

Location: Flemingsberg

Mikael Rydén & Niklas Mejhert lab | Karolinska Institutet (ki.se)

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 2024-12-04.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system. In this recruitment, you will apply with your CV without a personal letter. Instead, you will answer some questions about why you are applying for the job in the application form. 

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

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all