Postdoctoral Researcher in Systemic MASLD Pathophysiology and Diabetes Risk

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

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 7 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. giving the fellows lot of opportunities to make new connections both within Karolinska Institutet and internationally in the field of diabetes and metabolism.

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 fall 2025, though some flexibility with the start date might be possible.

Short running title of project: Systemic MASLD Pathophysiology and Diabetes Risk

Research Project: Understanding the Pathophysiology of Systemic MASLD

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing burden comprising liver fat accumulation and progressing to inflammation, namely steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, and ultimately life-threatening conditions, namely cirrhosis and cancer. MASLD is very common, especially among people with obesity, and it is associated with diabetes and heart disease. However, not everyone with MASLD develops these serious complications, suggesting that there are different types of this condition.

Recently we identified two forms of MASLD: a "liver-specific" MASLD that mainly affects the liver without raising the risk of other diseases, and a "systemic" MASLD that strongly increases the risk of diabetes and heart problems. This project aims at understanding the pathophysiology of systemic MASLD.

Using advanced genetic and transcriptomics analysis techniques, the research team will study human liver and visceral adipose tissue from individuals with obesity to discover which genes, cells, and metabolic pathways are responsible for driving the disease and its link to diabetes.

By improving our understanding, this project will enable the identification of new drug targets and strategies to prevent or treat MASLD and diabetes simultaneously in the future.

Key responsibilities of the selected applicant:

• Analyze bulk RNA sequencing data and single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) data from human tissues.
• Conduct rigorous statistical analysis.
• 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 bioinformatics/medical/biological subject (to be completed in 2025).
• Experienced in analyzing multidimensional transcriptomic data, with proficient programming skills in R and/or Python.
• 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.

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.

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctor, a PhD or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a Swedish PhD is required. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled at the latest at the time of the employment decision. Completion of your doctoral degree within the last three years is considered an advantage. If there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier.

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

 Choose to work at KI – Ten reasons why

Application

An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

• PhD certificate
• A complete resumé, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
• A complete list of publications
• A summary of current work (no more than one page)

Welcome to apply at the latest 2025-06-13

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

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.

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