Research Assistant in Molecular Human Physiology

Research Assistant in Molecular Human Physiology

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The Human Molecular Physiology group, lead by Assistant Professor Ben Stocks, is looking for an ambitious Research Assistant to contribute to our research in the area of mitochondrial quality control in type 2 diabetes. The Human Molecular Physiology group aims to understand the molecular regulators of metabolism, principally in the context of exercise and type 2 diabetes. This position will be available on a one-year basis. It is our intention that the position will start in January 2027.

Short running title of project: Mitochondrial quality control in type 2 diabetes.

Research Project: Role of optineurin in mitochondrial quality control and metabolic flexibility in type 2 diabetes

A hallmark feature of type 2 diabetes is reduced skeletal muscle mitochondrial content. Exercise improves mitochondrial volume and quality, however emerging evidence from our laboratory suggests that this may be compromised in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this project is to define the molecular mechanisms underlying defective mitophagy in type 2 diabetes. By using exercise as a physiological perturbation, this work will establish how mitochondrial quality control is regulated in human skeletal muscle, and how this regulation is altered in type 2 diabetes. These studies will define how exercise regulates skeletal muscle mitophagy and reveal a mechanism underlying impaired mitochondrial quality control in type 2 diabetes.

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 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.
• Informally present your research to the group at established meetings.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Documented research experience in mitochondrial biology.
• Documented experience with cell biology and/or animal physiology approaches to investigate molecular regulators of mitochondrial physiology and metabolism.
• Experience with techniques to profile mitochondrial physiology in vitro and in vivo, including microscopy, respiration assay, and targeted metabolomics.
• Strong analytical skills and experience in statistical analysis and data interpretation.
• The ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities.
• A strong CV, having published in high impact journals and presented at international meetings.
• 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

How to apply

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.

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The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

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Type of employment – Temporary position

Contract type – Full time

Salary – Monthly salary

Number of positions – 1

Full-time equivalent – 100%

City – Stockholm

County – Stockholms län

Country – Sweden

Reference number – STÖD 2-4522/2026

Tagged as: Life Sciences