Postdoc in Translational Molecular Medicine - ,

At the Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, we research and teach in various subject areas in close collaboration with the four regions of Norrland. We have internationally recognised research environments where the breadth of subject areas enables innovation and collaboration across borders. Most of our researchers and teachers work clinically and our premises are located at the regional hospitals in Östersund, Sunderbyn, Sundsvall and Umeå - right in the centre of our activities. Read more about the department at the Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine (umu.se).

The department is now looking for a postdoc for a research project on lipid mechanisms underlying the development of type 2 diabetes. The position is full-time in two years and starts as soon as possible or according to agreement.

Description of the project and work responsibilities

The research project aims to identify molecular mechanisms underlying the onset as well as the remission of type 2 diabetes. For a long time, type 2 diabetes has been considered a chronic disease, but recent studies show that recovery is possible and associated with the ability to reduce fat (lipids) in our organs, where skeletal muscle and pancreas play a key role. Despite great efforts, important mechanistic information that could lead to improved treatment and prevention is missing. This project focuses on expanding the understanding of specific lipid mechanisms underlying the accumulation of bioactive lipid subtypes and their impact on insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle and pancreas. The project involves mass spectrometry-based analysis of metabolites and lipids and method development to validate findings from large-scale metabolomics and lipidomics analyses. These data will be combined with biochemical measurements of proteins and gene expression and functional measurements of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in human material, animal models and cell cultures.

Within the project, you will conduct experimental research work that you plan and evaluate in collaboration with the other researchers in the project. You will also be primarily responsible for writing scientific publications and presenting the obtained research data at scientific seminars/conferences.

Eligibility

A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate Translational Molecular Medicine is eligible for appointment as postdoctoral researcher. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time at which the appointment decision is made.

Applicants must have a university degree in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology or equivalent. Eligible to be employed as a postdoctoral researcher are those who have completed a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. First consideration should be given to those who have held a degree for a maximum of three years before the deadline for applications. If there are special reasons, those who have previously obtained a doctoral degree may be considered. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave or clinical service, positions of trust in trade unions or other similar circumstances. Postdocs who are to teach or supervise must have relevant higher education pedagogical training.

The scientific work requires good knowledge of the research area and the ability to work both independently and in groups under the guidance of the group leader. A requirement for the position is experience in mass spectrometry-based analysis of small molecules, so-called metabolomics or lipidomics. You should also have experience of laboratory work in chemistry/biology research. General knowledge of protein chemistry and molecular biology methods is meritorious.

Applicants must be fluent in spoken and written English and highly motivated for research work. As the project involves collaboration, you must be able to work productively in a group. Excellent communication skills are required to effectively interact with colleagues, including colleagues from complementary research areas.

Additional useful qualifications

Since appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is a career-development position for junior researchers, we are primarily interested in applicants who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an applicant who has completed their degree earlier than that may be considered. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, appointments of trust for a trade union organisation or other similar circumstances, and for relevant duties/assignments within the subject area.

More information about the position

The appointment is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years (minimum two and maximum three years) in accordance with the terms of contract for fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher from 1 February 2022.

Application

The application must include:

• A brief description of your research interests and a statement describing why you are interested in the position.
• CV
• List of publications
• Degree certificate from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees
• Contact details of two reference persons

The application must be written in Swedish or English. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest 31 January 2024.

We look forward to receiving your application!