PhD fellowship focusing on healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy to prevent childhood obesity - the PRE-STORK-trial

A PhD fellowship is available at the Clinical Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen (SDCC) in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The position is open for medical doctors only with interest in clinical research within the cross field of endocrinology, obstetrics and paediatrics beginning August 1st, 2022.                  

SDCC is the largest diabetes center in Denmark and is organized in four units: Clinic, Clinical Research, Education and Health Promotion. The Clinical Research Unit consists of five research with different research areas. The clinical studies in this PhD will be carried out at SDCC at Herlev Hospital in collaboration with Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

The project

Globally, the prevalence of overweight has tripled since 1975, one of three Danish women are overweight at the time of pregnancy and almost one out of five children are obese. Interestingly, maternal obesity before conception, excessive bodyweight increase during pregnancy and general physical inactivity are some of the risk factors suspected for infant adiposity. Lifestyle interventions during pregnancy have shown limited or no effect in the offspring and renewed effort to improve the prevention of childhood obesity is warranted. The PRE-STORK-trial will investigate whether intensive, tailored multifactorial lifestyle intervention with diet-induced weight loss, increased physical activity and cognitive behavioural therapy in 360 women with overweight or obesity and their partners, before and during planned pregnancy can reduce neonatal fat mass and the development of childhood obesity. We will also investigate how the intervention affects placental function, epigenome, metabolome, gut microbiome, appetite regulation and neonatal adiposity at birth and at 6 months of age in the offspring. Finally, we will establish a child and family cohort to be followed throughout childhood for healthy weight development. The study will provide evidence of effects from pre-conception-initiated intervention and have the potential to improve health and quality of life for children. Finally, our pre-conception intervention program aim shift focus and stigmatization from the children, towards an evidence-based program to be implemented in municipalities and health care sector for mothers in spe (https://novonordiskfonden.dk/da/nyheder/aarsager-til-overvaegt-hos-boern-skal-soeges-en-generation-tilbage/)

Job description 

The responsibilities of the PhD-student will in short consist of: 

• Contribution to the development of the main protocol and correspondence with official agencies
• Prepare the first draft of a manuscripts of the protocol (as first author)
• Central in the recruitment and screening of participants, clinical experimental work, coordination of procedures and handling of blood samples etc.
• Management of data handling, perform primary statistical analyses and prepare first drafts for scientific manuscripts (as first author for at least two papers) based on baseline data
• Presentation of preliminary baseline data at national and international meetings
• Supervising students invoved in the project

Required qualifications  

We are looking for a candidate with scientific experience, good analytical and writing skills as well as excellent collaboration skills. Only Medical Doctors with career interest in clinical research can apply and candidates with published original scientific papers will be preferred. Experience with project coordination and management is an advantage. The candidate should speak and write fluent Danish and English.

Recruitment and employment

The candidate’s qualifications will be assessed by an internal assessment committee, and eligible candidates will be invited for an interview including a predefined presentation. The employment is in accordance with the Capital Regions collective agreements. The position is offered from August 1st, full-time and for a period of three years.    

Contact and Information

For further information please contact Tina Vilsbøll, Professor MD DMSc (SDCC/University of Copenhagen, mobile: +45 4094 0825), Louise Grunnet, senior researcher MSc PhD (SDCC, mobile: +45 6067 1704) or Signe Torekov, Professor MSc PhD (University of Copenhagen, +45 2298 3837).  

About Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen

Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen (SDCC) is an international leading diabetes hospital within The Capital Region of Denmark. The hospital has specialized in diabetes treatment, clinical research, prevention, and education. SDCC is the biggest diabetes hospital in Scandinavia treating around 11.000 persons with diabetes including approximately 1000 children. In November 2021 SDCC moved to a new house next to Herlev Hospital. Read more at www.sdcc.dk and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

• Fakta

• Arbejdssted
  Steno Diabetes Center
• Kontaktperson
  Tina Vilsboell
• Adresse
  Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 83, 2730 Herlev
• Stillingstype
  Forsker
• Speciale
  Intern medicin: Endokrinologi
• Ansættelsesform
  Tidsbegrænset periode
• Ugentlig arbejdstid
  Fuld tid
• Ansættelsens start
  01-08-2022
• Regionens jobnr.
  238236
• Quick-nr.
  424242
• Indrykningsdato
  19-01-2022
• Ansøgningsfrist
  21-02-2022 (udløbet)