Research Specialist

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

Description of the subject area

The Signal Transduction research group at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery investigates how pancreatic islet cells regulate signaling under both physiological and diabetic conditions. In recent years, the team has developed an innovative and versatile platform that enables transplantation of pancreatic islets into the anterior chamber of the eye. This pioneering approach has opened new possibilities for in vivo characterization of signal transduction, providing unique insights into islet cell function.

Your mission

The group is seeking a Research Specialist to investigate the mechanisms underlying islet cell dysfunction and exocrine pancreas derangement during the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim is to identify novel therapeutic targets for the disease. Research will involve the use of animal models of T2DM and the characterization of protein candidates implicated in the early stages of disease progression. In addition to these projects, the candidate will be expected to supervise students, contribute to grant writing, and establish an independent line of research.

This role is a permanent 50 % part-time employment. 

Eligibility requirements

For employment as Research Specialist at Karolinska Institutet, the eligibility requirements stated in the Guidelines for non-teaching positions at Karolinska Institutet are applied in relation to the established profile of employment.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and socially skilled candidate who thrives in a collaborative research environment. The successful applicant is expected to develop an independent line of research and should demonstrate a strong track record in type 2 diabetes research, pancreatic islet biology, metabolic analysis, and insulin signal transduction.

The position requires documented scientific achievements and solid methodological expertise. Prior experience in metabolic flux analysis, HPLC, qPCR, confocal in vivo imaging, and in situ hybridization is essential. Additional merits include documented knowledge of multicolour flow cytometry, advanced molecular biology skills, a strong publication record in leading peer-reviewed journals, and a history of successfully securing research funding. Proven experience in designing and conducting animal studies in mice is also required.

As the position is situated in a highly international research environment, excellent communication skills and proficiency in spoken and written English are essential.

To be eligible for employment as a Research Specialist, in addition to holding a Doctoral Degree, PhD, or having a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a Swedish doctoral degree, the applicant must have demonstrated research expertise as well as have documented postdoctoral research experience.

After an overall assessment of the expertise and merits of the applicants in relation to the subject area, Karolinska Institutet will determine which of them has the best potential to contribute to a positive development of the activities at KI.

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. Here, 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: Solna

 Choose to work at KI - Ten reasons why

Signal Transduction – Ismael Valladolid Acebes' research group | Karolinska Institutet

Application

We prefer that Your application is written in English, but You can also apply in Swedish. An application must contain the following documents:  PhD certificate, resumé, qualifications and description of planned research, presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet's qualifications portfolio.

Welcome to apply at the latest 2025-09-19

The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.

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