Doctoral student in Diabetes and Islet Patophysiology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Diabetes is strongly related to pancreatic beta cell dysfunctions, which impairs the capacity of insulin secretion. It has been long established that preventing beta cell dysfunctions is vital direction for the development of chemical drugs to treat diabetes. However, it was revealed only recently that magnetic nanoparticles exposed to magnetic field could remotely regulate cell functions by targeting cell membranes and intracellular organelles. It implies that the functional magnetic nanoparticles could potentially be developed for applications exploiting new strategies for the therapy of both type-1 and -2 diabetes.

Work duties

This doctoral project is basically medical research and education in experimental endocrinology.

The project will focus on the investigation of regulation of pancreatic islet functions by application of advanced technologies e.g. nanotechnology and nanoscopy. Pancreatic islet functions (human or rodent) including insulin secretion, proliferation and differentiation will be studied. Location and expression of proteins in cellular level will be detected by modern optical technologies e.g. Confocal or dSTORM imaging. Additional conventional methods such as WB, qPCR will be used. Molecular biological experiments e.g. gene knockout and knockdown, RNA sequencing, plasmid construction and viral derived over-expression will also be performed in the study work.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Required qualifications

Master degree in physiology, molecular cell biology, biotechnology, or equivalent scientific competence. Strong background in experiments with cell line or animal models, especially recorded experience of cellular signal pathway. Lab bench skills include in plasmid design and cloning, gene knock down/out, WB, qPCR and primary tissue/cell line culture. Skills of cooperation and organization for a collaborating work environments. Excellent English both in oral and writing.

Desirable qualifications

Experience with optical imaging or EM imaging. Nano-technologies such as magnetic nanoparticle.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Eligibility
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Type of employment
Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.