Understanding how long non-coding RNAs regulate adipocyte insulin sensitivity

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

To be a doctoral student means to devote oneself to a research project under supervision of experienced researchers and following an individual study plan. For a doctoral degree, the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education is required.

The research group

The adipocyte expresses over 4000 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), many uniquely expressed in fat cells. However, how these polymeric molecules function in concert with the metabolic machinery of the cell is not well understood. In our laboratory, we investigate how lncRNAs adapt the adipocyte for specialised function, specifically in the context of lipid droplet metabolism. Our investigation focuses on lncRNAs that may underline compromised metabolic flexibility and contribute to cardiometabolic disease pathogenesis.

We integrate findings from well-characterized human white adipose tissue (WAT) biopsies and large population genetics to identify lncRNAs implicated in lipid metabolism and cardiometabolic disease. The disease-associated lncRNAs are investigated in human adipocyte cell models and using CRISPRi/a gene perturbation coupled to lipidomic/metabolomics, we aim to understand the effect of the lncRNA expression on adipocyte metabolism. In addition, we use gene variant editing in human adipocytes to understand how single nucleotide polymorphisms located in lncRNA gene loci lead to alterations in lipid droplet metabolism.

Long noncoding RNA in the adipocyte – Alastair Kerr Research Group

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This doctoral project will determine how disease-relevant long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate adipocyte insulin sensitivity and in turn metabolic health. This will be achieved by investigating human white adipose tissue (WAT) biopsies taken before and after a hyperinsulinemic clamp was performed to measure systemic insulin sensitivity. The biopsies had IR phenotyping and transcriptomic analysis performed. This cohort allows the identification of lncRNAs that directly respond to insulin stimulation in human WAT. Identified lncRNAs will be examined in insulin sensitive and insulin resistant mature adipocytes. The student will progress lncRNAs found to impact the effects of insulin in the adipocyte into detailed molecular studies, where they will use imaging and in-house developed pulldown methodology to uncover how these lncRNAs function at a molecular resolution. There will be an emphasis on characterizing the structure of these lncRNAs to define the functional aptamers necessary to regulate the defined adipocyte function. The doctoral student will be trained in computational and molecular biology analyses to identify candidate lncRNAs and develop an investigational pipeline to understand how they function. The student will be involved in learning from current lab members and teaching future lab members that will be hired.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. As a doctoral student you are offered an individual research project, a well-educated supervisor, a vast range of elective courses and the opportunity to work in a leading research group. Karolinska Institutet collaborates with prominent universities from all around the world, which ensures opportunities for international exchanges. You will be employed on a doctoral studentship which means that you receive a contractual salary. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Eligibility requirements for doctoral education

In order to participate in the selection for a doctoral position, you must meet the following general (A) and specific (B) eligibility requirements at latest by the application deadline.

It is your responsibility to certify eligibility by following the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education. 

A) General eligibility requirement 

You meet the general eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

1. have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
2. have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the advanced/second-cycle/master level, or
3. have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.^*

Follow the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

^*If you claim equivalent knowledge, follow the instructions on the web page Assessing equivalent knowledge for general eligibility for doctoral education.

B) Specific eligibility requirement

You meet the specific eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

• Show proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school.

Follow the instructions on the web page English language requirements for doctoral education.

Verification of your documents Karolinska Institutet checks the authenticity of your documents. Karolinska Institutet reserves the right to revoke admission if supporting documents are discovered to be fraudulent. Submission of false documents is a violation of Swedish law and is considered grounds for legal action.

(A) and (B) can only be certified by the documentation requirement for doctoral education.

Skills and personal qualities

Required

• The chosen candidate will have completed a master’s/ or equivalent degree in biotechnology/biomedicine/molecular biology/medicine or another related subject.
• Experience in using molecular biology wet lab methodologies such as Western blot analyses, qRT-PCR.
• Experience of processing and analysing omics datasets including short/long-read RNA-sequencing, proteomics using R, Linux-based tools or equivalent.
• Clear communication and documentation skills to be able to explain and replicate research findings.
• An ability to work independently.

Highly Advantagous

• A good knowledge of analyzing RNA-protein interactions and RNA structural motifs
• Ability to visualize complex data using R/Python or similar programs and tools.

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

Application process

Submit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system. Use the button in the top right corner and follow the instructions. We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish.

Your application must contain the following documents:

• A personal letter and a curriculum vitae 
• Degree projects and previous publications, if any 
• Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above 
• Documents certifying your general eligibility (see A above) 
• Documents certifying your specific eligibility (see B above)

Selection

A selection will be made among eligible applicants on the basis of the ability to benefit from doctoral education. The qualifications of the applicants will be evaluated on an overall basis.

Karolinska Institutet uses the following bases of assessment:

• Documented subject knowledge of relevance to the area of research 
• Analytical skill 
• Other documented knowledge or experience that may be relevant to doctoral studies in the subject.

All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all

Type of employment: PhD placement

Contract type: Full time

First day of employment: According to agreement

Salary: Monthly salary

Number of positions: 1

Full-time equivalent: 100

City: Stockholm

County: Stockholms län

Country: Sweden

Reference number: STÖD 2-1503/2026