Description of the division
iPS core is a human cell facility, (www.ipscore.se), located at Karolinska Institutet in Solna. The facility was founded in 2013 by associate professor Anna Falk. The focus of the cell facility is culturing of human pluripotent stem cells, so called human induced pluripotent cells (iPS cells) and neuronal stem cells derived thereof. The services are aiming at deriving and providing standardized cell cultures, cell culture advice and protocols for preclinical research.

 

Area of responsibilities/duties
Majority of the work will be administration, customer contacts, and advanced cell culturing (iPS cells and neural cells), and characterization of the generated cells. The work includes the whole reprogramming process from establishment of differentiated cells (for example fibroblast cells from skin biopsies) to reprogramming and expansion, characterisation and cryopreservation of established pluripotent stem cells cultures and other cellular models like neural stem cells. Hands on cell culture, demonstrations and teaching for researchers. Active contribute to process development and standardization of existing and new processes. Contribute to a high standard of services, documentation and SOP derivation.

Further duties are neural differentiation of pluripotent stem cells in 2D and 3D and various cell-based assays as flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, MEA, cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, protein work and qRT-PCR. Additional responsibilities are administration as ordering, handling invoices, write offers and contracts, updating website, organising courses and symposia, taking care of lab equipment, analysing large set of data. Furthermore, creating visions, strategies and drive RnD work for future services and additional platforms and cell models offered by the iPS Core in addition to formulating and writing application and reports.

 

Examples of specific duties:

Culture and cryopreservation of human iPS and rarely ES cells.

Derivation of human fibroblast cells from skin biopsies

Reprogramming of human fibroblast cells

Characterisation of iPS cells using immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and quantitative RT-PCR.

Differentiation of stem cells to neural stem cells and other cell types in 2D and 3D

Preparation of DNA and RNA

Cloning and preparation of DNA

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing

Ordering and tracking media, reagents and plastics and maintaining inventory

Updating website

Documentation, electronic lab book

Creation of SOPs

Medium preparation and factor aliquotation

Hands on cell culture training for researcher/ cell customers

Together with customers design, advice and formulate projects

Arrange with MTA-documents and cell shipments to customers

GMP cell production might be a part of the cell culture duties

Care for lab equipment

Help with organisation of courses and symposia

Basic analysis of large data sets

Cell based assays of migration, proliferation and differentiation

 

Entry requirements
The applicant should have a PhD in stem cell biology in addition to some years post-doctoral experience.

 

Documented experience of the following is required:

  • Culturing, cryopreserving and assaying pluripotent and neural stem cells
  • Experiences of pluripotent stem cell differentiation into various types of neuronal cells, neuroepithelial stem cells, forebrain neurons, functional neurons.
  • Vast experience in molecular biology, immunocytochemistry, microscopy and flowcytometry
  • Experience of successfully writing application and papers in addition to formulating and writing project plans.
  • Supervising experience
  • Presenting research and projects at meetings
  • Experience in cloning and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
  • Great ability to work in teams and to lead others and to easily pick up new methods
  • Ability to be flexible, since we have high demands on flexibility and accuracy since the stem cells are very sensitive

 

The following experience is preferable and meritorious:

  • Experience of other type of stem cells and differentiation protocol to mesoderm and endoderm that would be further development of the services of the iPS Core, like mesenchymal stem cell, hepatocytes, blood
  • Experience of the Dupral for website work
  • Experience of functional assays of cells for example, cell tracking and cell signaling
  • Experience and knowledge about transplantation and how stem cells should be prepared for successful outcomes to be able to advice customers of the iPS Core.

Most of the work is advanced and labour intense cell culture with much routine and there is no opportunity to work on individual research projects.

The applicant should be fluent in English, with good communication and writing skills since the working environment is international.

Great importance will be placed on personal qualities.

An overall assessment of the applicants’ qualifications will be made.

Application process
An employment application must contain the following documents in Swedish or English:

  1. A complete curriculum vitae (no more than two pages)
  2. A motivation letter (no more than one page).

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

Type of employment Permanent position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment as soon as possible
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100 %
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number 2-5114/2019
Contact
  • Anna Falk, Associate Professor, anna.falk@ki.se
Published 11.Oct.2019
Last application date 21.Oct.2019 11:59 PM CEST

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