Research Specialist in oligodendroglia function in multiple sclerosis

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

Come and join us at the Research Unit of Molecular Neurobiology at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm. In the research group led by Professor Goncalo Castelo-Branco, we are particularly interested in the molecular mechanisms defining the transcriptomic and epigenomic states of oligodendrocyte lineage cells, with the aim to design epigenetic based-therapies to prevent and treat neuroinflammation in demyelinating diseases.

Your mission

Our research group has performed single-cell/spatial omics studies, identifying for instance several cell states within the oligodendrocyte lineage in development and disease (Science 2016, Dev Cell 2018, Nature Medicine 2018, Nature 2019, Nature Biotechnology 2021, 2022, Neuron 2022, Nature 2023, Cell 2024, among others). Our recent findings suggest that oligodendrocyte lineage cells might present other functional properties than previously thought, transitioning for instance to disease-associated states. In addition, our results also suggest that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with multiple sclerosis susceptibility might be operational in oligodendrocyte lineage cells. 

The successful candidate will play a leading role in an exciting and cutting-edge research project to study the functional role of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the oligodendroglia lineage and its implication in multiple sclerosis. The multidisciplinary project involves in-vivo work, master molecular biology, master-cell culture techniques, flow cytometry/cell sorting and single-cell & spatial omics.  

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for employment as a Research Specialist, in addition to holding a Degree of Doctor, PhD, or having equivalent scientific expertise, the applicant must have demonstrated research expertise as well as have documented research experience after defending their doctoral dissertation.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated, driven, inquisitive, enthusiastic person interested in our area of research, and ready to explore new avenues in science. The candidate should have a strong collaborative approach to research, be a team player as capable of working independently and contribute to a good social environment in the laboratory.  The candidate must have a PhD in medical sciences, immunology, or neurosciences, or equivalent (this requirement must be fulfilled at the latest at the time of the employment decision). It is desirable to have previous research experience in a multidisciplinary international environment in the areas listed below:

• Culturing human pluripotent stem cell lines and differentiation to neural lineages, specifically oligodendroglia
• CRISPR screens and Massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs)
• Experience in neuroimmunology and/or immune diseases, in particular animal models of multiples sclerosis
• Molecular biology techniques and cloning

After an overall assessment of the expertise and merits of the applicants in relation to the subject area, Karolinska Institutet will determine which of them has the best potential to contribute to a positive development of the activities at KI.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. Our research group is based at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (MBB), at the Karolinska Institutet (KI), Stockholm, Sweden, within the Unit of Molecular Neurobiology. This Unit has presently eight research groups, focused on omics technologies and several aspects of development, stem cell biology, neuroscience and cancer, providing a unique critical mass and expertise, and vibrant scientific environment. 

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 better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles to several benefits such as extended holidays and a generous occupational pension. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Location: Solna

Application

We prefer that Your application is written in English, but You can also apply in Swedish. An application must contain the following documents: Resumé, qualifications and description of planned research, presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet's qualifications portfolio.

Welcome to apply at the latest 2024-12-11

The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.

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