Postdoctoral Researcher in Diabetes and Parkinson's disease

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

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 an outstanding postdoctoral research fellow who will work on a project examining brain circuit dysfunctions underlying diabetes and Parkinson’s disease comorbidity. Full details and contact information to the PIs can be found at Postdoc Fellowships 2025 - Project 1 | Karolinska Institutet.

Your mission

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 within the field of diabetes and metabolism.

The fellowships are fully funded, and salary is provided for a 2-year period. The position is available immediately.

Short running title of project: Diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.

Research Project: Brain Circuit Dysfunctions Linking Diabetes and Parkinson’s Disease Comorbidity. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join a multidisciplinary project evaluating the metabolic mechanisms underlying diabetes and Parkinson’s disease comorbidity. Under the supervision of Drs. Anders Borgkvist and Cesare Patrone, you will investigate how Type 2 Diabetes exacerbates Parkinson’s disease pathology and how GLP-1 receptor agonists might counteract these effects. The project combines metabolic analyses in a diabetes mouse model with anatomical mapping, electrophysiology, and optogenetics to uncover the brain circuits regulating diabetes-related disruption of dopamine neuron function. This two-year, fully funded position offers a unique opportunity for cross-disciplinary training in cutting-edge diabetes and neurophysiology research, providing a strong foundation for academic independence and future funding opportunities.

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.
Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and strategically utilize their contributions to expedite the completion of the project.

Your profile

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.

Selection Criteria

Required:

A PhD in neurobiology or neuroscience-related subjects (PhD must have been completed later than 2023).
Demonstrated knowledge with electrophysiological recording techniques in live brain slices (for example patch-clamp or intracellular recordings).
Knowledge in virus-assisted tracing, tissue preparation for histology, immunostaining techniques and microscopy–particularly fluorescence confocal imaging.
Experience with experimental animals (rodents) and proficiency in stereotaxic surgery is essential. FELASA Category B certification.

Essential:

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 metabolism and diabetes research.
Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills and leadership with keen interest in fostering a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
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.

Each Fellowship is for two years. 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.

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: Solna

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)

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.

Welcome to apply at the latest 2025-10-31

The application is to 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!