SRP funded Postdoctoral Researcher to the research project mTORC1 signalling in insulin resistant human skeletal muscle Full-time NEW

SRP Funded Postdoctoral Researcher to the Research Project mTORC1 Signalling in Insulin Resistant Human Skeletal Muscle

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: mTORC1 signalling in insulin resistant human skeletal muscle

Research Project: “Mechanistic dysregulation of insulin responsive mTORC1 signalling in insulin resistant human skeletal muscle”

Insulin resistance in skeletal muscle is a core defect in type 2 diabetes, resulting in reduced glucose disposal and hyperglycaemia. Insulin resistance is also linked to altered muscle remodelling, reduced metabolic flexibility, and impaired adaptation to diet and exercise. We have recently taken an unbiased approach to deconvolute insulin signalling in skeletal muscle. Specifically, we applied deep proteomics and phosphoproteomics in human skeletal muscle during fasting and during hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamps in a large, well phenotyped cohort across the insulin sensitivity spectrum. Strikingly, a key and unexpected pattern emerged. Several insulin-stimulated mTORC1 substrates tracked tightly with insulin sensitivity, whereas many AKT substrates remained insulin responsive even in insulin resistant muscle (Cell, 2025). This points to selective uncoupling of insulin signalling to mTORC1 rather than global proximal insulin signalling failure. Thus the aim of this post-doctoral project is to:

1. Define an insulin responsive mTORC1 signature in human skeletal muscle across insulin sensitivity.
2. Identify upstream regulators reducing mTORC1 signalling in insulin resistance
3. Test causality in primary human skeletal muscle cells from insulin sensitive and insulin resistant donors.

mTORC1 is a central integrator of insulin, nutrients, growth factors, energy status, and cellular stress. It controls translation initiation, ribosomal biogenesis, autophagy, and aspects of intermediary metabolism. In skeletal muscle, mTORC1 also contributes to protein turnover and thus to muscle quality and function. In insulin resistant states, mTORC1 may be altered in two nonexclusive ways. First, insulin may fail to engage mTORC1 due to impaired coupling between AKT and the TSC complex, altered RPTOR based scaffolding, or altered localisation of the complex. Second, stress and nutrient sensing inputs may dominate over insulin input, shifting the operating point of the pathway. In vivo data from human studies that resolve these possibilities are scarce. One of mTOR's key roles is to regulate protein synthesis. Interestingly we have recently identified reduced expression of TMEM9-AS1 in skeletal muscle from people with type 2 diabetes, a lncRNA that appears necessary for adequate protein synthesis.

Key responsibilities of the selected applicant:

• Plan, manage and conduct an agreed academic research project and associated activities.
• Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, 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.
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols to support research.
• Regularly write research articles at an international level for peer-reviewed journals, 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:

• A PhD in a medical/biological subject (to be completed at the latest at the time of the employment decision).
• The ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities.
• Excellent team working and collaborative abilities
• Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation.
• Ability to work with meticulous attention to detail.
• An enthusiastic interest in diabetes 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 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.

Meritorious:

• A strong CV, having published in high impact journals and presented at international meetings.
• Experience of cell biology and signalling is a merit

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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Type of employment – Temporary position

Contract type – Full time

First day of employment – According to agreement

Number of positions – 1

Full-time equivalent – 100 %

City – Stockholm

County – Stockholms län

Country – Sweden

Reference number – STÖD 2-