Postdoctoral Researcher in Anti-diabetic drugs and sensor human islet organoids

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 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: Anti-diabetic drugs and sensor human islet organoids

Research Project: In vivo evaluation of anti-diabetic drugs using sensor-engineered human islet organoids transplanted into the anterior chamber of the eye

This project aims to develop and optimize human islet organoids engineered with fluorescent biosensors to enable monitoring of β-cell function in vivo. The organoids will be transplanted into the anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) of diabetic mice, allowing longitudinal imaging of human islet function under various metabolic conditions. Molecular biology techniques, including PCR, gene cloning, protein quantification, and islet/cell culture, will be used to engineer and validate the sensor human islet organoids. In vivo studies will focus on assessing the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on β-cell function, with particular emphasis on calcium dynamics and glucose responsiveness. The project also integrates advanced data analysis, utilizing skills in multivariate methods, statistical analysis, and bioinformatics tools. This research provides a unique opportunity to apply both laboratory and data science skills to advance the understanding of human islet function and contribute to the development of more effective diabetes therapies.

Key responsibilities of the selected applicant:

• Plan, manage and conduct an agreed academic research project and associated activities.
• Test hypotheses and analyze scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
• Develop research questions, analyze 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.
• Contribute to the functional analysis of human sensor islet organoids, employing advanced data analysis techniques, including multivariate methods, to interpret complex experimental data and enhance the refinement of experimental protocols.
• Leverage expertise in proteomics and metabolomics analysis to apply advanced data analysis techniques, supporting the objectives of the project and driving insights into the molecular mechanisms involved.

Selection Criteria

Essential 

• A PhD in a medical/biological subject (to be completed in 2025) with experience in issues related to diabetes and its complications.
• Proven ability to independently lead and conduct academic research, with experience in both basic and clinical research.
• 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. Experience using advanced software tools such as MATLAB, TopSpin and FlexAnalysis.
• A strong and enthusiastic interest in diabetes research that includes in vivo studies.
• 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.
• 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.

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

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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.

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