SRP funded Postdoctoral Researcher to the research project Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes in Women: Aetiology and prognosis Full-time NEW

SRP Funded Postdoctoral Researcher

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 five 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: Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes in Women: Aetiology and prognosis

Research Project: Early-onset type 2 diabetes in women: nationwide investigation of aetiology, pregnancy outcomes, and mental health

A rapid rise in early-onset (age <40) type 2 diabetes among women raises concerns due to its aggressive course and implications for reproductive and long-term health. This project investigates its causes and consequences, focusing on risk factors, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and long-term mental health and cardiovascular risks. Using nationwide Swedish register data with family linkages over >30 years, complemented by biobank data, the study applies advanced epidemiological methods, including sibling analysis, and machine learning. The goal is to identify high-risk women and key drivers of poor outcomes to improve prevention and clinical care. The postdoc will play a central role in this work.

Key responsibilities of the selected applicant:

• Plan, manage and conduct an agreed academic research project and associated activities.
• Analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
• Develop research questions, analyse detailed and complex quantitative data from a variety of sources, using advanced epidemiological and biostatistical methods
• 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.
• Write research articles at an international level for peer-reviewed journals.
• If warranted, teach epidemiological methods within the master and PhD programs at KI.
• Formally present your research and represent the research group at internal, national and international conferences and meetings.
• 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 epidemiological/biostatistical techniques.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• A PhD in a medical science (to be completed at the latest at the time of the employment decision)
• A formal education in epidemiology or biostatistics.
• Prior experience in working with different types of epidemiological data such as national registers, and study designs including family-based designs.
• Experience in handling large databases and advanced statistical modelling, excellent data management skills and solid knowledge of common statistical software (as a minimum SAS and R).
• The ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities.
• A strong CV, having published in high impact journals and presented at international meetings.
• Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Ability to work with meticulous attention to detail.
• An enthusiastic interest in diabetes research.
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills, 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 and the broader research community.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• A conscientious and enthusiastic working approach.
• Excellent planning, organizational and problem-solving skills.

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 the Login 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 of three 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.

Please save all uploaded documents to show your name and the document type.

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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