PhD student within Clinical and Translational Diabetes Research - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Medical Sciences is a large clinical institution with more than 250 employees and over 300 additional coworkers connected via the Uppsala University Hospital. The Department of Medical Sciences has a broad research profile with strong research groups in a number of different areas. The research carried out at the department is performed in close connection with the clinical activities at the Uppsala University Hospital, which includes both basic studies on the causes of a variety of illnesses and the development and evaluation of improved diagnostics and new treatment methods. More information about the Department of Medical Sciences can be found at www.medsci.uu.se

Diabetes is one of the world's major health problems. Its consequences have a considerable impact on patients' quality of life and more research on diabetes is desperately needed. Consequently, the Uppsala Diabetes Center (UDC), an interdisciplinary diabetes research centre at Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), was founded to coordinate and focus on the universities' broad expertise with the aim of understanding, preventing and treating diabetes. We want to inspire cooperation and collaboration between all relevant actors in academia, healthcare, business and society. For better health and improved wellbeing with diabetes - https://uu.se/forskning/udc/.

Project description - Role of the brain in the development of type 2 diabetes

This PhD student position is a part of a research training and collaboration framework within UDC. It is based at the Department of Medical Sciences at Uppsala University but also involves collaboration with SLU.

Type 2 diabetes is a growing public health issue characterized by continuous β cell dysfunction together with insulin resistance. Obesity is an important factor driving insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. We study the crosstalk between different organs, mainly the brain, adipose tissue, pancreas and the gut, in obesity and type 2 diabetes. The main aim for this part of our research program is to identify new mechanisms in how the brain regulates energy and glucose balance and alterations that can lead to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In particular, we focus on the communication between the brain and other organs, through neuroendocrine systems and the autonomic nervous system. A long-term aim is to identify novel concepts for diabetes prevention and therapy. We will use several research approaches:

• Imaging of the human brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and PET for assessment of neuronal network function, morphology, blood flow and metabolism
• Psychometric tests for measuring psychosocial stress, depression/anxiety, cognitive functions
• Investigations of the autonomic nervous system; sympathetic and parasympathetic activity
• Metabolic and hormonal regulation; clamp techniques and nutrient challenge-tests
• Studies in laboratory animals focusing on neurotransmitter and neuropeptide profiles

We also perform functional analyses of the brain’s signaling, via nerves and hormones, to target tissues, e.g. adipose. Effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, cell differentiation and gene regulation, which may be important in type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Qualifications

Completed Master’s degree or equivalent (240 etc) in the area of biochemistry, medical or pharmaceutical sciences or related field. The candidate should have experience in translational research, preferably using similar methods described above, as well as studies of metabolic regulation. Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities that make the applicant suitable for the position. Proficiency in spoken and written Swedish and English is required.

The application should include a short personal letter, CV with description of scientific qualifications and publication list, relevant degree certificates and contact details of two reference persons.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1 April, 2022, or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Susanne Hetty, Susanne.hetty@medsci.uu.se or Jan Eriksson, jan.eriksson@medsci.uu.se 
 

Please submit your application by 18 January 2022, UFV-PA 2021/5006.

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