Postdoctoral position: Integrating transcriptomics and chemical biology for induction of ß-cells (1)

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 now looking to recruit 4 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. which the fellows will attend

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 autumn of 2023, though some flexibility with the start date might be possible.

Research Project 1

Integrating transcriptomics and chemical biology for induction of β-cells

Diabetes features a reduction in the number of functional β-cells, a key pathologic event that causes or exacerbates the dysregulation of blood glucose levels. Regenerating insulin-producing β-cells might prove a better treatment for diabetes, which is at present controlled but not reversed by insulin injections. Therefore, the main interest in the lab of Olov Andersson is to determine how small molecules and cellular mechanisms can promote regeneration of insulin-producing beta-cells and improve metabolic control, as potential curative approaches for diabetes. The successful applicant will use chemical-genetic screening techniques in zebrafish to identify compounds, genes and signalling pathways that can promote β-cell regeneration.

Signaling between different pancreatic cell types will be identified using bioinformatics tools, and the identified pathways will be perturbed (using genetics or small molecules know to target the pathways) and assessed for involvement in progenitor maintenance or differentiation of progenitors to β-cells in zebrafish.

We will lineage-trace specific progenitor populations, as well as isolate the progenitor cells and their differentiated descendants to delineate the mechanisms of β-cell regeneration by single-cell RNA-seq. We will then perturb candidate pathways in human organoids derived from ductal cells to determine whether their effects on β-cell neogenesis are conserved across species.

The present project will span from chemical biology to genetics in zebrafish, as well as translational studies using human organoids. The studies will include assessing beta-cell neogenesis, proliferation and transdifferentiation, and how such cellular changes may affect glycemia.

The zebrafish are amenable to efficient transgenesis and high-resolution imaging. We will make use of these properties to generate transgenic, knock-in and mutant zebrafish for single-cell analysis of phenotypes and lineage tracing.

Visit the lab’s website for examples of how the research can be conducted:
Olov Anderssons-group

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.
Write research articles and reviews for peer-reviewed journals.
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.

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctor 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.

Selection Criteria

Essential

A PhD in a medical/biological subject (to be completed in 2023).
Experience in molecular, cellular and biochemical techniques, e.g. cloning, qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry.
Experience in bioinformatics, drug screening, organoid cultures, or the zebrafish model.
Published in established journals and presented at meetings.
Ability to work with meticulous attention to detail.
An enthusiastic interest in diabetes research.
The ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities.
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

Each Fellowship is for two years. We will prioritize applicants who have the opportunity to complete the project and be employed for two years. Preference should be given to those who were awarded a PhD or attained equivalent research competence no more than three years prior to the expiry of the application period for the position as postdoc.

Location: Solna

How to apply

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.

Please save all uploaded documents to show your name and the document type.

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

The closing date for applications is midnight CEST on Sunday 30th April, 2023.

Working at Karolinska Institutet

For further information about working at Karolinska Institutet, rules for visa/residence permit, insurance and accommodation please see: International staff

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