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: Investigating the SNc–Vagus Nerve Axis in Type 2 Diabetes and Parkinson’s Disease Pathogenesis
Research Project Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major metabolic disorder associated with increased risk for neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent evidence suggests that alterations in dopaminergic circuits may drive peripheral insulin resistance, contribute to dysregulated glucose metabolism, and promote α-synuclein (aSyn) aggregation, a hallmark of PD. The project aims to investigate the dynamic interactions between Substantia Nigra (SNc) dopaminergic neurons, vagus nerve (VN) activity, and aSyn pathology during the onset and progression of T2D. The project will combine longitudinal in vivo electrophysiology, dual-wavelength fiber photometry, high-fat diet models, and wireless transauricular VN stimulation (taVNS) to elucidate mechanistic links between metabolic dysfunction and PD onset.
Key responsibilities of the selected applicant: We expect the successful candidate to be able to significantly contribute to the planning and management of their project(s), supervision of students, as well as the writing of manuscripts and navigation of the peer-review process.
Essential
- PhD degree in Biomedical or Neuropharmacology Research or similar.
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Experience in Parkinson’s disease models, behavioral neuroscience, histology, gene and/or cell therapy development and in vivo preclinical evaluations.
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Certificate for animal experiment and project design.
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Extensive experience in data analysis and data presentation.
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High level of self-motivation and independence.
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Work well with others in a team.
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Willingness to supervise and share experience with students.
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Very good command of written and spoken scientific English.
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. 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.
