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.
The Department The Translational Type 1 Diabetes Research Department is headed by Professor Flemming Pociot and currently involves 50 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 Maternal microchimerism denotes postnatal presence of a small number of non-inherited cells of maternal origin in the offspring. Presence of circulatory maternal microchimerism in children is found strongly and positively related to the probability of T1D. While the foreign cells are presumably acquired through the natural cell exchange between mother and fetus during pregnancy, it remains unclear why maternal cells can be detected in the circulation of some but not all children. One hypothesis is that the retention of maternal microchimerism depends on the maternal cells’ ability to endure in the offspring’s body rather than on the initial cellular transfer alone. The aim of this project is to investigate if retention of maternal microchimerism depends on parental T1D status and thus if maternal microchimerism can explain why maternal compared to paternal T1D protects against offspring T1D. The project includes study design, project management (incl. collection of different data sources involving blood samples, planning of laboratory analyses, and register data linkage), data analysis and dissemination of findings.
Qualifications The candidate must have completed her/his PhD, and importantly, the candidate must possess the funding needed to be successful. A strong background in epidemiological research is required. Experience with project management, register data, data management, and advanced statistical analyses e.g., from large cohort studies, is an asset. The successful candidate preferably possesses knowledge of and experience with microchimerism, T1D, pre- and perinatal research. 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 post doc or 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 May 15, 2024.
For further information Applications for the position are accepted online before May 7, 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.