PhD Student in Proteomics and Insulin Resistance in Metabolic Disease
Explore molecular mechanisms of adipocyte insulin resistance and metabolic disease using advanced proteomics and multi-omics approaches.
Best for:Best for researchers with expertise in proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics who are passionate about metabolic disease and insulin resistance mechanisms.
Overview
This PhD position at Karolinska Institutet offers the opportunity to investigate how insulin resistance in adipocytes is driven and reversed after bariatric surgery. The project integrates deep plasma proteomics, metabolomics, and tissue proteomics to identify circulating factors and adipose pathways linked to improved insulin sensitivity. The successful candidate will work within Dr. Amir Ata Saei’s research group at the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, collaborating with Prof. Mikael Rydén and Prof. Yihai Cao’s labs. The research combines mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, biochemistry, and functional validation in human 3D adipocyte models, with potential in vivo follow-up. The position is ideal for motivated researchers with a strong background in biomedicine, molecular biology, or related fields, seeking to contribute to translational metabolic disease research.
What you'll do
- Conduct proteomics and metabolomics analyses of adipose tissue and plasma samples from bariatric surgery patients.
- Integrate deep plasma proteomics, untargeted metabolomics, and tissue proteomics to identify circulating factors and adipose pathways linked to improved insulin sensitivity.
- Study protein abundance and stability in white adipose tissue using advanced proteomics assays.
- Test prioritized proteins or metabolites in human 3D adipocyte spheroids using functional readouts.
- Perform CRISPR/Cas9 or gene-silencing experiments for mechanistic validation of candidate factors.
- Collaborate with Prof. Mikael Rydén and Prof. Yihai Cao’s labs for in vivo validation of findings.
- Plan and execute experiments, analyze and interpret data, and present results in scientific meetings.
- Contribute to manuscript preparation and actively collaborate across research groups.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (second-cycle/advanced/master qualification) in biomedicine, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, metabolism, or a closely related field, or equivalent knowledge.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency equivalent to English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school level.
Instruction: English
- Practical research experience in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology/biochemistry, or quantitative biological data analysis.
- Proficiency in bioinformatics and statistical analysis using R or Python for large biological datasets.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and spoken English proficiency.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Must meet general eligibility for doctoral education (master’s degree or equivalent).
- Must demonstrate proficiency in English as required for doctoral studies at Karolinska Institutet.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Submit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system. Ensure your application includes a personal letter, CV, degree projects, previous publications, and documents certifying general and specific eligibility. Applications in English are preferred but Swedish is also accepted.
- Personal letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Degree projects and previous publications (if any)
- Additional documentation showing desirable skills and personal qualities
- Documents certifying general eligibility (master’s degree or equivalent)
- Documents certifying specific eligibility (English proficiency)
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.