Postdoctoral researcher position in the Department of Translational Type 1 Diabetes Research at the Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen

Postdoctoral 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 1.5-year position as Postdoctoral 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 15 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. 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, laboratory experiments, data analysis, supervision of students, and dissemination of findings. The project involves experimental work at both the SDCC and the Bartholin Institute, Rigshospitalet, which is physically located at the Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen.

Qualifications

The candidate must have completed her/his PhD and have a maximum of 2.5 years of postdoctoral research experience. A strong background in cellular and molecular biology is required. The ideal candidate has hands-on expertise with cellular model systems, qPCR, ELISA, immunoblotting, multiplex immunostainings, confocal microscopy, and spatial omics. Furthermore, the candidate preferably possesses knowledge of and experience with β-cell and islet biology, immunology, and T1D. Experience with clinical samples, ethical approvals, and data analysis in R is considered advantageous. Creativity, independent thinking, good communication and writing skills, and the ability to work in a team are all important qualities.

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 candidate will be offered a full-time position for a period of 18 months. Employment will be in accordance with the relevant collective agreement within the Capital Region of Denmark.

Start date

January 1, 2026.

For further information

Applications for the position are accepted online no later than November 14, 2025. For further information about the position, please feel free to contact Senior Researcher Tina Fløyel or Professor Flemming Pociot 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 people with diabetes from the Capital Region of Denmark. For more information visit and follow Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Job type

Postdoc

Workplace

Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen

Afdeling for Klinisk og Translationel Forskning

Work hours

37

Job number

264928

Application due