Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

The position is placed at the Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, at the Diabetic Complications Research Unit and within the environment of the Lund University Diabetes Centre (LUDC; www.ludc.med.lu.se).

 LUDC is one of the largest diabetes research centres in the world with approximately 300 investigators and staff members working towards improved diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications. The centre combines expertise in genetics, epidemiology, statistics, bioinformatics, molecular and cellular biology, physiology and clinical diabetes and endocrinology to achieve these goals. LUDC has large unique biobanks and databases with genome-wide data linked to national registries providing information on disease aetiology, progression as well as outcome and treatment. The centre has in-house platforms for most molecular genetic methods and metabolomics. Omics-information combined with extensive phenotyping allows a systems medicine approach to dissect the complexity of diabetes. A central theme of the Centre is to develop precision medicine to improve health and the quality of life of diabetic patients.

 The research will be carried out within the project “Novel molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic complications”. Cardiovascular and kidney complications are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Given the rising incidence of diabetes (expected to reach 700 million people worldwide by 2025), we find ourselves addressing an increasingly sick and underserved population owing to therapeutic limitations, with mortality rates exceeding those of most cancers. The overall purpose of the project is to identify targetable mechanisms and pathways underlying initiation and progression of diabetic complications.

Work duties

The main duty is to conduct research. As Assistant Researcher you will be working together with other members of the Diabetic Complications Unit

( https://www.ludc.lu.se/research/diabetic-complications). Our group leads and participates in several large national and international consortia for the study of diabetes, diabetic complications and cardiovascular disease. The candidate will work at the interface of basic and translational research and he/she is expected to have excellent communication skills, a willingness to interact with other researchers and to contribute to the common goals of the unit and of the centre.

The work involves the use of a large repertoire of experimental tools and techniques well-established in our laboratory. Anticipated duties are indicated in, but not limited to the list below:

-Laboratory animal work including breeding, genotyping and phenotyping of various rodent models of disease, as well as functional in vivo studies/drug intervention studies. Longitudinal measurements of blood pressure (both tail cuff and telemetry) and of endothelial function, glucose and insulin tolerance tests, blood and urine collection and studies using metabolic cages.

-Handling of animal and human samples (biofluids, cells and biopsies), DNA, RNA or protein extraction for further analyses or preparation of samples for sectioning and histology or immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence. Microscopy (i.e. fluorescence, confocal, EM) and stereological techniques for qualitative and quantitative image analyses and for live studies.

-Basic cell and molecular biology laboratory work, including western-blotting, ELISA, RT-PCR, gene editing, cloning, cell and organ culture techniques (i.e. proliferation, migration, apoptosis assays, differentiation of circulating progenitor cells).

-Participation in planning and study design together with the PI and team

-Presentation of research results at seminars, conferences and other relevant contexts (both orally and in written)

- Contribution to applying for research funding, to grant reporting and to writing ethical permits

-Administration connected to the work duties listed above (may include ordering or reagents, supplies, managing equipment and service agreements)

-Supervision of undergraduate and graduate students involved in the project

Qualification requirements

Appointment to this position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position.

Additional requirements:

Relevant research background and experience in the Cardiovascular, Renal or Diabetes fields Relevant research background for the research and work duties in the project.  A strong publication record (at least one first author in a recognized international journal in the field) Documented oral and written proficiency in English. Documented training in biostatistics and experience in e.g. power calculations and using software for basic statistical analyses   Interest in learning new approaches and methods that may include the use of modern, advanced equipment Experience of working in an international environment Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Other preferred skills:

A completed first post-doctoral experience after obtaining a PhD Experience from work with microarray and next generation sequencing data Experience of work with biomarkers Teaching experience.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial career step, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject, a good ability to develop and conduct high quality research and good analytical skills and ability to understand and assimilate different research perspectives.

We will also pay attention to personal attributes, favouring individuals that are flexible, social and used to collaborative work, taking initiatives and working in a well-documented way. Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the unit, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset. We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.

Type of employment Special fixed-term employment
Employment expires 2019-02-19
Contract type Full time
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100
City Malmö
County Skåne län
Country Sweden
Reference number PA2018/2295
Contact
  • Maria Gomez, +4640391058
Union representative
  • OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-222 93 62
  • SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, 046-222 93 64
Published 25.Jun.2018
Last application date 16.Jul.2018 11:59 PM CEST

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