Researcher/Senior researcher position in the Department of Translational Type 1 Diabetes Research at the Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen

This is an opportunity to join the Department of Translational Type 1 Diabetes Research at Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen (SDCC) for a three-year position as researcher/senior researcher.

The Department
The Translational Type 1 Diabetes Research Department is headed by Professor Flemming Pociot and currently involves 35 scientists. The overall aim of the research is to advance in a decisive way how we predict, evaluate, and prevent the onset and progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Our research includes cohort studies, biomarker studies, genetics and immunological studies, intervention studies, epigenetics, cellular, and molecular biology analyses, and bioinformatics.

About the project
Accumulating research suggest that cathepsin proteases are implicated in the development and progression of T1D. The human cathepsins are involved in a variety of cellular functions in addition to protein turnover in the endosomal/lysosomal compartments, such as apoptosis, antigen presentation, cell signaling, and degradation of extracellular matrix. Preliminary data indicate that cathepsins are dysregulated within the pancreatic islets during T1D. The hypotheses of the project are: 1) Cathepsins have regulatory functions in both the immune cells and β cells, and their dysregulation during the early disease stages contributes to β-cell dysfunction and development of T1D, and 2) Circulating cathepsins track with disease and are useful as early biomarkers in T1D. Using cellular model systems of β cells and immune cells, pancreatic tissues from human donors, and blood samples from individuals with T1D, the project aims to investigate how cathepsins are involved in the β-cell demise in T1D and to further explore the clinical biomarker potential of cathepsin S in new-onset T1D.
The project includes study design, project management (incl. acquirement of ethical approvals, collection of tissue and blood samples, and planning of analyses), performing laboratory experiments, data analysis, supervision of students and postdoctoral researchers, and dissemination of findings.

Qualifications
The candidate must have completed her/his PhD and have at least four years of postdoctoral research experience. Importantly, the candidate must possess the funding needed to be successful. A strong background in cellular and molecular biology is required. The ideal candidate has experience with project and data management, multiplex immunostainings, biomarker studies on clinical samples and hands-on expertise with cellular model systems and in vitro assays. Furthermore, the candidate preferably possesses knowledge of and experience with cathepsin proteases, T1D, β-cell biology, and immunology. Creativity, independent thinking, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team are all important qualities. The successful candidate will be responsible for the daily management of the research project.

What we offer
We offer an exciting multidisciplinary research environment with top-class laboratory and office facilities. A friendly and sociable atmosphere and intercross collaborations and research disciplines are characteristics of SDCC. We have large networks of national and international relations offering great possibilities for synergies with groups outside the house.

Terms
The researcher/senior researcher candidate will be offered a full-time position for a period of three years. Employment will be in accordance with the relevant collective agreement within the Capital Region of Denmark.

Start date
January 1, 2025.

For further information
Applications for the position are accepted online before December 13, 2024. For further information about the position, please feel free to contact Professor Flemming Pociot (+45 3045 6313). We welcome applications from all candidates with the relevant professional background and qualifications.

About Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen
Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen is specialized in patient care, research, and prevention of diabetes, and in education of health care professionals within diabetes. SDCC is the biggest diabetes clinic in Scandinavia and treats annually more than 9.000 people with diabetes from the Capital Region of Denmark. For more information visit www.sdcc.dk and follow Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Department:
Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 83, Herlev

Lokation: Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen