Research assistant position in Immunology and Cell Therapy - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

Division
We are recruiting a motivated research assistant to join the Cell and Gene Therapy Group (CGTG). The group is a part of the Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM) at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge. The Department of Medicine at Huddinge comprises of seven units, three research centers and, around 60 independent research groups. HERM is a research unit within the Department of Medicine Huddinge which brings together basic and clinical research competences to pursue cutting-edge research improving the understanding of mechanisms involved in normal and malignant hematopoiesis.

The research group
The CGTG is a multidisciplinary research group with a particular interest in exploring natural killer (NK) cells in patients with hematological cancers. NK cells are a vital part of the innate immune system, capable of tumor cell killing. These cells are long-lived and provide a superior capacity to proliferate and to perform antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). The group has internationally recognized leadership in clinical-grade, current good manufacturing practice (cGMP)-compatible manufacturing of cell and gene therapy applications. Furthermore, we have been involved in several clinical trials, including the first Swedish clinical trials assessing the safety of both patient and donor-derived ex vivo expanded NK cells in patients with various malignancies.

Research environment
The research assistant will belong to HERM, a dynamic research center focused on hematology and cancer immunology with labs and platforms situated at both NEO and ANA Futura. The primary labs, located at ANA Futura, provide a variety of resources and equipment needed for executing state-of-the-art research, including access to a flow cytometry facility, molecular biology resources, and equipment, culture systems for a variety of cell lines and primary healthy donor and patient material. In addition, the group is a part of a VINNOVA funded competence center, which is a program focused on next-generation NK cell therapies.

Description of the position
Applicants are invited to submit applications for a six-month research assistant position. The main duties of the research assistant include generation and functional testing of gene-edited cell lines and primary cells. The research assistant will be expected to perform molecular biology assays such as PCR and assist in production of lentiviral vectors. The research assistant will also be responsible to organize and manage common lab reagents. In addition, the research assistant will be required to perform flow cytometry and live cell imaging analyses on a regular basis, as well as standard cell culture work. Participation and assistance in experiments in the lab is also expected.

Key responsibilities

• Organize, plan, perform and analyze genetic engineering experiments and functional assays of immune cells, and keep up-to-date records
• Organize, prepare, test and optimize common lab reagents, e.g., antibodies and keep up-to-date records
• Assist and work closely with other lab members on experimental work conducted in the laboratory

Entry requirements
We are seeking a motivated, responsible and organized candidate with experience in genetic engineering of immune cells, flow cytometry analyses and general cell culture. Completed or ongoing training in molecular biology, biochemistry or equivalent, as well as previous experience in a research environment and hands-on experience with cell culture are required. Excellent knowledge of the English language is required. Prior knowledge in stem cell biology and in vitro functional assays are meriting.
The applicant must be able to work flexibly and in a high-paced research environment. Applicants should have been granted a Degree of Bachelor within Molecular Biology or Genetics.

Essential requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Immunology, Molecular Biology or similar
• Excellent proficiency of spoken and written English
• Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented
• Flow cytometry experience (multi-colour)
• Extensive cell culture experience (cell lines and primary cells)

Desired requirements

• Master’s degree in in Biotechnology, Immunology, Molecular Biology or similar
• Experience in immunology and developmental cell biology
• Experience in CRISPR/Cas9 or genetic engineering
• Extensive cell culture experience of primary cells or iPSCs

Personal suitability will be a strong selection criterion.

What do we offer?
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 innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles employees to several benefits such as extended holiday and a generous occupational pension. Employees also have free access to our modern gym and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Location: Flemingsberg

The department of Medicine in Huddinge

Application
Welcome to apply at the latest 2021-09-23.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.In this recruitment, you will apply with your CV without a personal letter. Instead, you will answer some questions about why you are applying for the job in the application form. 

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