SRP funded Postdoctoral Researcher to the research project Investigating the SNc–Vagus Nerve Axis in Type 2 Diabetes and Parkinson’s Disease Pathogenesis

Do you want to contribute to better health for all?Overview of the Position
The Strategic Research Programme in Diabetes (SRP Diabetes) at Karolinska Institutet is funding a prestigious fellowship programme for postdoctoral research fellows. The Programme is focused on research in diabetes and its comorbidities. With this postdoctoral programme SRP Diabetes aims to support the next generation of exceptional young scientists within the diabetes area, including both experimental and clinical research. As part of this programme, we are looking to recruit 5 outstanding postdoctoral research fellows. Full details on each project and contact information to the PIs can be found at:http://ki.se/en/srp-diabetes/postdoctoral-fellowships

Based at Karolinska Institutet, fellows will undertake a cutting-edge research project in a competitive lab and be part of the SRP Diabetes dynamic research environment where several events will be held throughout the year such as high-profile lectures, symposia, internal retreat, etc. giving the fellows lot of opportunities to make new connections both within Karolinska Institutet and internationally within the field of diabetes and metabolism.

The fellowships are fully funded, and salary is provided for a 2-year period. It is our intention that the positions will start in the fall 2026, though some flexibility with the start date might be possible.

Short running title of project: Investigating the SNc-Vagus Nerve Axis in Type 2 Diabetes and Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis

Research Project Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major metabolic disorder associated with increased risk for neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent evidence suggests that alterations in dopaminergic circuits may drive peripheral insulin resistance, contribute to dysregulated glucose metabolism, and promote α-synuclein (aSyn) aggregation, a hallmark of PD. The project aims to investigate the dynamic interactions between Substantia Nigra (SNc) dopaminergic neurons, vagus nerve (VN) activity, and aSyn pathology during the onset and progression of T2D. The project will combine longitudinal in vivo electrophysiology, dual-wavelength fiber photometry, high-fat diet models, and wireless transauricular VN stimulation (taVNS) to elucidate mechanistic links between metabolic dysfunction and PD onset.

Key responsibilities of the selected applicant: We expect the successful candidate to be able to significantly contribute to the planning and management of their project(s), supervision of students, as well as the writing of manuscripts and navigation of the peer-review process.
Selection Criteria
Essential

• PhD degree in Biomedical or Neuropharmacology Research or similar.
• Experience in Parkinson's disease models, behavioral neuroscience, histology, gene and/or cell therapy development and in vivo preclinical evaluations.
• Certificate for animal experiment and project design.
• Extensive experience in data analysis and data presentation.
• High level of self-motivation and independence.
• Work well with others in a team.
• Willingness to supervise and share experience with students.
• Very good command of written and spoken scientific English.

Each Fellowship is for two years. To be eligible for employment as a post-doctor a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree is required. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled at the latest at the time of the employment decision. It is considered as an advantage if you have completed your doctoral degree within the last three years, if there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier.
What do we offer?
A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.

Working at Karolinska Institutet

For further information about working at Karolinska Institutet, rules for visa/residence permit, insurance and accommodation please see:https://staff.ki.se/international-staff

Location: Solna
Application
If you consider that you meet the selection criteria, click on theLogin and apply button on this page and follow the on-screen instructions to register as a user. You will then be required to provide information in a number of screens with your application details, relating to your skills and experience. When prompted, please provide details ofthree references. You will also be required to upload a CV and Personal Letter which explains how you meet the selection criteria for the position. The Personal Letter(maximum two pages)should explain your relevant experience which may have been gained in employment, education, or you may have taken time away from these activities as illness, military service, work for labour unions or student organisations, parental leave or similar circumstances. Your application will be judged in part on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria outlined above and we are happy to consider evidence of transferable skills or experience which you may have gained outside the context of paid employment or education.

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The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

The closing date for applications is midnight CEST on Friday 26th June, 2026.
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