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 5 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 within 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 2026, though some flexibility with the start date might be possible.
Short running title of project: Obesity Management Beyond the Scale
Research Project: Clinical and Mechanistic Human Studies of Tissue Adaptations to GLP-1RA Therapy in Persons with Obesity
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are highly effective for weight loss and glycemic improvement, but muscle loss could undermine metabolic health, functional capacity, and long-term sustainability of weight reduction. As skeletal muscle is the main site for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, preserving muscle mass and improving muscle quality are of greatest importance to further improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. This project will (i) investigate the muscle adaptations and functional adaptations to obesity treatment with GLP-1RA, (ii) test an accessible mitigation strategy (regular exercise training), and (iii) investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms that explain tissue-specific adaptations to GLP-1RA therapy.
Key responsibilities of the selected applicant:
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Plan, design, manage, and conduct a clinical research project, recruiting human participants.
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Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, including clinical samples, physiological data, and biological samples from humans.
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Reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
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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.
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Coordinate multiple aspects of work to deliver novel research data in accordance with established timelines set between you and the Principal Investigator.
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Regularly write research articles at an international level for peer-reviewed journals, grant applications, book chapters, and reviews.
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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.
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Informally present your research to the group at established meetings.
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Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
Essential requirements for the position:
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A PhD in Medical Science.
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Proven experience in leading human intervention studies from ethics application to publication, including participant recruitment and coordination, data collection and analysis, and manuscript preparation.
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Experience in the analysis of human magnetic resonance imaging data.
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Documented expertise in the collection, handling and analysis of blood, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue samples from human intervention studies.
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Experience in physiological testing and exercise interventions.
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Experience in imaging, histological, and other molecular tissue analyses, as well as in the analysis of omics data (e.g., transcriptomics and proteomics) and its integration with physiological data.
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Strong theoretical and practical experience of human physiology, particularly in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue physiology.
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Ability to independently manage your own academic research and coordinate your work effectively with study participants and collaborators.
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A strong academic track record, including publications in renowned journals, presentations at international meetings, and success in securing research funding.
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Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation.
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An enthusiastic interest in human metabolism research.
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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, students and the broader research community.
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Proficiency in Swedish, essential for interaction with patients participating in the study, in teaching contexts, and in collaboration with national partners.
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Strong verbal and written communication skills in English. Excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
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Experience working with people living with obesity, or publications in the field of obesity research.
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Experience in collaborating with patient organizations.
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Documented teaching experience, including lectures, laboratory sessions, examinations, and mentoring junior colleagues and students.
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Experience in science communication, for example through media engagement or writing book chapters.
Each Fellowship is for two years. To be eligible for employment as a post-doctor for 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 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.
