Postdoctoral Researcher in Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and stroke outcomes

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

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: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and stroke outcomes

Research Project: Type 2 diabetes management by Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists: impact on neurological outcomes after stroke

Type 2 diabetes is a strong risk factor for stroke and post-stroke disability, for which no treatment is available. Modern diabetes drugs such as Glucagon-like peptyde-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1Ra) in addition to strong effects to improve metabolism, have shown efficacy to reduce stroke risk. However, whether they also improve stroke outcome (reduce disability and death) is unknown.

This translational project aims to address this question by a combined epidemiological and experimental approach: Data from nationwide registers will be used to determine the impact of GLP-1Ra on stroke outcomes and interventional experimental studies in rodent diabetic and stroke models will determine the cellular mechanisms behind this effect.

Key responsibilities of the selected applicant:

• Plan, manage and conduct an agreed academic research project and associated activities.
• Test hypotheses and analyse epidemiological and experimental data, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
• Develop research questions 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 Investigators.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• An enthusiastic interest in diabetes/stroke 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.

Project-specific

Our research focuses on advancing the understanding of diabetes and its comorbidities through high-quality experimental and clinical studies. Considering the translational nature of the project, solid experience (documented by publications) in both epidemiological and experimental research would be an advantage, see the criteria below for the preferred expertise in the different fields. However, candidates possessing an exceptional profile only in one of the two fields below are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Epidemiological

• Provide statistical support in study design, including sample size calculations, power analysis, and data collection planning.
• Perform advanced statistical analyses (e.g., regression modelling, survival analysis, longitudinal data analysis, machine learning techniques).
• Contribute to data management and quality control processes.
• Communicate statistical methods and findings clearly to interdisciplinary research teams
• Degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, or a related quantitative field (Ph.D. level preferred)
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g. R, SAS, STATA, or Python)
• Experience with health data analysis, preferably within clinical, epidemiological, or biomedical research.
• Previous experience with diabetes related research is considered a strong advantage.

Experimental

• Strong background in neuroscience or diabetes research.
• FELASA or equivalent certification to perform procedures on rodents.
• Good knowledge of immunohistochemistry and microscopy.
• Good knowledge of rodent brain anatomy and brain dissection techniques.
• Experience in proteomics data analyses.
• Expertise in neuroinflammation, neuroplasticity, recovery mechanisms after brain injury, vascular dysfunction and rodent behavioral tests are a strong plus.

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.

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: SÖS

 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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