PhD student in translational diabetes research - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The research group

At the research group for translational diabetes research, we conduct research within the areas of pathophysiology, fetal programming, genetics, epigenetics and metabolic complexity in type 2 diabetes. The group is newly established under the leadership of Professor Allan Vaag, but it builds on a long-established collaboration between Allan Vaag's ongoing research at the Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen in Denmark (on the one hand), and several research groups within LUDC (on the other hand), including the group previously formed by Professor Leif Groop, which now under the leadership of Associate Professor Ola Hansson includes Associate Professor Emma Ahlqvist and Associate Professor Rashmi Prasad. The group is also in close collaboration with Professor Charlotte Ling's research in epigenetics and several other research groups at LUDC. The research group is located at the Clinical Research Center in Malmö. Here you can read more about our exciting research.

Within the research group, we cherish a good working environment with respect and consideration in our relationships with each other, and we strive for a workplace that is experienced and considered as developing and stimulating for all employees. We constantly work on maintaining conditions for job satisfaction, development and co-influence for all employees. We value both physical safety and a great psychosocial environment.

Project description and area of responsibility

In this PhD project, under the supervision of Professor Allan Vaag, you will study the significance of low birth weight in the clinical presentation of type 2 diabetes in the Swedish Andis and Danish DD2 type 2 diabetes cohorts. Your job will initially concern contributions to the organization of the collection of original birth weight information in the Andis cohort, and to a varying extent also involve other logistical and data management-oriented tasks in relation to the operation of the Andis cohort. The primary research discipline addresses all aspects of epidemiological analyses, where there will also be involvement of and overlap with clinical, genetic, epigenetic, pathophysiological and biomarker research. Other methods that may be used include bioinformatics, machine learning and mathematical modelling.

The PhD student's main task is to devote themselves to their research studies, which includes participation in research projects and postgraduate courses. The tasks may also include teaching and other department duties up to a maximum of 20%. Other duties may also occur.

Qualifications

The position requires:

• Master’s degree in medical, biological and/or lifestyle (diet/physical activity) fields
• Experience in handling of large data and relevant programs

Great importance will be placed on personal qualities. The selected applicant must be motivated, creative and keen to learn and to try new methodological approaches. It is also important to have the ability to develop independency as well as the ability to cooperate with others. This includes qualities such as flexibility and stress resistance.

The following are considered as a merit:

• Good knowledge of physiology, metabolism, diabetes, epidemiology and/or analysis of large data sets
• Experience with data processing programs such as R, Pearl and/or Python.
• Good knowledge of both written and spoken English

Skills

Basic eligibility for education at postgraduate level is for those who have completed a degree at advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or in some other way within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

Assessment basis

Regulations for employment as a doctoral student can be found in regulation SFS 1998:80. Only those who have been admitted to education at research level may be appointed as holders. When appointing, attention must be paid primarily to the degree of the ability to assimilate the postgraduate education. In addition to the obligation to engage in their own postgraduate education, the holder may be required to perform duties related to education, research and administrative work according to special provisions in the regulation.

Other

The employment is limited to four years according to HF chapter 5 § 7 and is full-time. Start date is 1 October 2022 or as agreed. 

Instructions for application

The application must include a cover letter, CV, contact details for two references, diplomas (including transcripts) and other documents that you would like to be considered (e.g. letters of recommendation). Applicants called for interview may be asked to complete a test to demonstrate basic skills.