Postdoctoral Researcher in Signal Transduction

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

Signal Transduction Laboratory, Rolf Luft Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet. This laboratory focus on signal transduction in the pancreatic beta-cell, where one general aim for the current project is to better understand the dynamics of progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes. The laboratory is connected with laboratories in USA, South Korea, Singapore and China.

Microscopy techniques for in vivo studies of physiological Ca2+ signaling in the islet of Langerhans

Advanced light microscopy techniques offer valuable tools to monitor function of pancreatic islet cells, and many of these tools are already widely used for islet research. However, a number of great challenges in this field require new technical development of instruments and refined data processing. For that purpose, we seek 1-2 qualified (postdoctoral) researchers to strengthen our team for diabetes research within the Signal Transduction Laboratory.
Most of our understanding of the function of pancreatic islets, in particular the dynamics of cytoplasmic free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]i), originates from in vitro experiments with isolated islets. To overcome the limitations associated with in vitro studies we utilize a technique, developed in our lab, for non-invasive in vivo imaging of islets transplanted to the anterior chamber of the eye (ACE). The aim of the projects is to establish, develop and apply techniques to study islet physiology in vivo based on fluorescence microscopy modalities and image data processing.

Your mission

We aim to recruit highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to strengthen our technical skills for in vivo studies of physiological Ca²⁺ signaling in pancreatic islets.
The focus of the projects can be categorized as follows

Technically oriented tasks

Establish, develop and use new techniques for fast 3D fluorescence imaging of living cells in the living animal. One such technique can be SCAPE microscopy.
Master and refine already existing techniques for fluorescence imaging in our laboratory, including confocal, multiphoton and widefield modalities.
Give support to users of advanced microscopy in our laboratory.
Be instrumental in an advanced project for development of a miniature wireless device for monitoring of fluorescence.

Data processing tasks

To refine, develop and implement image analysis strategies for image registration, noise reduction and cell segmentation from time series of three-dimensional data.
Perform higher-level image analysis including cluster-, and network-analysis in order to generate information about three-dimensional functional connectivity within the islet.
Give support to users of advanced image processing in our laboratory

Two individual researchers may divide these tasks between them. Therefore, researchers representing a subset of the listed skills are welcome to apply.

Your profile

Qualified to be employed as a postdoctor is one who has obtained a doctorate or has equivalent scientific competence. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) date of employment. This must be substantiated by the applicant's main supervisor, director or equivalent.

Applicants should have education in physics/engineering/biophysics and should have completed a PhD degree in a field related to the position, such as microscopy, optics, bio-imaging, image processing or similar. Interest/knowledge in biology/medicine is a plus.

Preferred qualifications:

Excellent programming skills, including previous experience with MATLAB and LabView.
Excellent and deep knowledge and experience of microscopy modalities like confocal, multiphoton, lightsheet and widefield fluorescence microscopy.
Excellent knowledge and experience of advanced methods for multi-dimensional image processing.
Knowledge and understanding of mathematical model systems for 3-dimensional signaling networks.
Experience from fluorescence live cell imaging and in particular Ca²⁺ imaging.
Good communication skills and the ability to work both independently and in collaboration with colleagues and the ability to document work.
Good communication skills in English.
The person should be open to be in contact with animals (rodents).
Experience of bio-medical laboratory techniques.

Personal suitability is an important criterion.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles to several benefits such as extended holiday and generous occupational pension. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Location: Solna

Application

An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

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 18 December 2019

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

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