SRP funded Postdoctoral Researcher to the research project Obesity Management Beyond the Scale

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research? 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:Obesity Management Beyond the Scale

Research Project:Clinical and Mechanistic Human Studies of Tissue Adaptations to GLP-1RA Therapy in Persons with Obesity

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are highly effective for weight loss and glycemic improvement, but muscle loss could undermine metabolic health, functional capacity, and long-term sustainability of weight reduction. As skeletal muscle is the main site for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, preserving muscle mass and improving muscle quality are of greatest importance to further improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. This project will (i) investigate the muscle adaptations and functional adaptations to obesity treatment with GLP-1RA, (ii) test an accessible mitigation strategy (regular exercise training), and (iii) investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms that explain tissue-specific adaptations to GLP-1RA therapy.

Key responsibilities of the selected applicant:

• Plan, design, manage, and conduct a clinical research project, recruiting human participants.
• Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, including clinical samples, physiological data, and biological samples from humans.
• Reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
• Develop research questions, analyse detailed and complex qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, and contribute original ideas for new research projects.
• Coordinate multiple aspects of work to deliver novel research data in accordance with established timelines set between you and the Principal Investigator.
• Regularly write research articles at an international level for peer-reviewed journals, grant applications, book chapters, and reviews.
• Formally present your research and represent the research group at internal, national and international conferences and meetings, either with other members of the team or alone.
• Informally present your research to the group at established meetings.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.

Selection Criteria
Essential requirements for the position:

• A PhD in Medical Science.
• Proven experience in leading human intervention studies from ethics application to publication, including participant recruitment and coordination, data collection and analysis, and manuscript preparation.
• Experience in the analysis of human magnetic resonance imaging data.
• Documented expertise in the collection, handling and analysis of blood, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue samples from human intervention studies.
• Experience in physiological testing and exercise interventions.
• Experience in imaging, histological, and other molecular tissue analyses, as well as in the analysis of omics data (e.g., transcriptomics and proteomics) and its integration with physiological data.
• Strong theoretical and practical experience of human physiology, particularly in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue physiology.
• Ability to independently manage your own academic research and coordinate your work effectively with study participants and collaborators.
• A strong academic track record, including publications in renowned journals, presentations at international meetings, and success in securing research funding.
• Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation.
• An enthusiastic interest in human metabolism research.
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills and leadership, with the ability to communicate research ideas and results in a clear and logical way and the ability to confidently and effectively interact with colleagues, students and the broader research community.
• Proficiency in Swedish, essential for interaction with patients participating in the study, in teaching contexts, and in collaboration with national partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English. Excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience working with people living with obesity, or publications in the field of obesity research.
• Experience in collaborating with patient organizations.
• Documented teaching experience, including lectures, laboratory sessions, examinations, and mentoring junior colleagues and students.
• Experience in science communication, for example through media engagement or writing book chapters.

Each Fellowship is for two years. To be eligible for employment as a post-doctor for 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 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.

Location: Flemingsberg

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
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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