Insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas are damaged in type 1 diabetes by autoimmunity and in type 2 diabetes by hyperglycemia, fatty acids, and oxidative stress. Preservation and/or improvement in islet cell function are cornerstones of therapy for both types of diabetes. New approaches to protect, improve function, and increase the number of healthy beta cells are urgently needed. Our response to this urgent need is to expand the current strengths of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center (DMRC) and become a worldwide leader in type 1 diabetes and beta-cell research. This effort is coordinated with the medical center’s Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and the Diabetes Multidisciplinary Center of Excellence (DMCE), which has a robust clinical trials unit, and provides comprehensive diabetes care employing the latest technological and pharmacological advances to a large patient population. The bold vision for this new Type 1 DM and Beta Cell Program is to be a transformative, highly integrated resource that brings together cutting-edge research that engages with exceptional clinical resources and trainees to bring the best evidence-based care to our patients.
As we continue to walk toward our vision for type 1 diabetes research, OSU Wexner College of Medicine Leadership, The Department of Internal Medicine, and the DMRC continues the official search for a leader of our planned Type 1 Diabetes Research program. We have committed resources, but the DMRC is mobilizing our Community support to substantially enhancing these resources to attract the brightest and best. A description of what we envision is as follows: The Ohio State University seeks to fill a tenure-track faculty position at the associate or full professor level in the area of Beta Cell Biology research. This position is in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and represents a significant faculty hiring investment in a key thematic area within the Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center (DMRC), which spans a number of colleges across The Ohio State University campus. The successful candidate will hold a leadership role in the DMRC and is expected to bring other researchers in diabetes and metabolism together to collaborate on investigation of beta cell biology, mechanisms to improve beta cell function, regeneration, and/or immunological approaches in type 1 diabetes including islet cell transplantation. Start-up funds and laboratory space will be provided as commensurate with research funding and activities of the candidate.