Doctoral student in Diabets - Islet pathophysiology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of workplace

Diabetes is strongly related to pancreatic beta cell dysfunctions, in which the capacity of insulin secretion is impaired. It has been long established that preventing beta cell dysfunctions is the vital direction for the development of drugs to treat diabetes. Especially the drugs which can prevent beta cells or reverse deteriorated beta cell functions during the development of diabetes are highlighted.

One of the most important targets for the drug development is ion channels. Recently, we have found that ion channels in beta cell membranes such as Piezo1 or VADC1 play important functions in the regulation of insulin secretion and protecting beta cell survival (Ye et al 2022 Nature Communications, Zhang et al 2014 Cell Metabolism). We now propose to further extend or deeper this application to islet function regulation. To this end, we will employ state-of-the-art technologies including dSTORM imaging, nanotechnology and RNA sequencing to explore the possibility of developing a new strategy to protect beta cells and prevent diabetes.

This doctoral project is basically medical research and education in experimental endocrinology. The project will focus on the regulation of pancreatic islet functions by using different methods. Pancreatic islet (human or rodent) functions including insulin secretion, proliferation and differentiation will be studied. Protein location and expression at the cellular or subcellular level will be detected by modern optical technologies e.g. Confocal or dSTORM imaging. Additional conventional methods such as WB and qPCR will be used. Molecular biological experiments e.g. gene knockdown/out, RNA sequencing, plasmids construction and viral-derived over-expression will also be performed in the study work. Importantly, the project also includes animal experiments that require the candidate to have experience in animal study.

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

Work duties and areas of responsibility

Required qualifications

• Master’s degree in physiology, molecular cell biology, biotechnology, or equivalent scientific competence.
• Strong background in experiments with cell lines or animal models especially having recorded experience of the cellular signal pathways.
• Lab bench skills include in plasmid design and cloning, gene knockdown/out, WB, qPCR and primary tissue/cell line culture.
• Skills of cooperation and organization in collaborative work environments.
• Excellent English both in oral and writing.

Desirable qualifications

• Experience with optical imaging or EM imaging.
• Has worked with a gene knock out for example by CRISPR-CaAS9.

Consideration will also be given to ones who are highly motivated, independent and open-mind candidates.

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.

Basis of assessment
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.

Further information

Employment is a full-time, fixed-term position of 4 years, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5 Section 7. Preferred start date is April 1, 2023, or according to agreement.

How to apply
Applications must include a personal motivation letter, a CV, contact information of two references, a diploma (including a grade transcript) and other documents you wish to be considered (e.g. letters of recommendation). Those applicants who will be called for interview, will likely be asked to perform a small test to demonstrate basic competence.