Research Assistant in targeted nanoparticle therapeutics

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We are seeking a highly motivated person to join the group of Assistant Professor Joel Nordin as a research assistant to work on the development of bioengineered targeted nanoparticles.

Your mission

Most of the research will be conducted utilizing cell lines and animal models. The overreaching goal of the project is to develop natural nanoparticles effectively loaded with specific RNA molecules targeted to specific cells and organs, in this project mainly CNS and hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow. mRNA therapeutics have gained more interest with covid vaccines proving their applicability in clinical medicine. However, the delivery vectors used today are still toxic after systemic repeated injections and mainly deliver the mRNA to liver. Hence, in this project we will utilize extracellular vesicles (EVs), that are natural non-toxic nanoparticles released by all cells. EVs contain macromolecules, such as mRNA and proteins and can be engineered to be loaded with various cargo, such as mRNA, siRNA and CRISPR/Cas9. However, the loading of mRNAs and targeting of EVs are today at best poor. Therefore, we aim to improve both the loading and targeting and finally unleash the potential of EV mRNA delivery to hard-to-reach tissues. This would enable us to treat several diseases that is out of reach today. Since this is a large project with several components two PostDocs will be hired to carry out the project.

Your profile

The applicant should have a solid background in basic- or molecular biology and/or experience working with plasmid libraries. The position requires practical lab experience in the following areas: foremost experience with PCR, cloning, cell culture, lentivirus production, NGS sequencing and sequencing bioinformatics. Experience from NGS and bioinformatics as well as previous skills regarding working with library screens, such as phage display, CRISPR libraries or plasmid libraries is all a merit. The ideal candidate would furthermore have experience within the EV- or virus-field and experience with molecular cloning is a merit, but neither are required.

In addition, excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English is important. In terms of personal qualities we would like you to have a flexible mindset and a strong problem-solving ability. We also expect you to be very communicative, service-minded and both be able to build relationships with others and work independently. This position also requires you to take you own initiative. We highly value personal qualities in this recruitment.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. 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 a 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 also a state university, which entitles you to several good benefits through our collective agreement. And you get to practice freely in our modern wellness facilities, where trained staff are on site.

Location: Flemingsberg

About the research group

Choose to work at KI – Ten reasons why

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 27 April 2022.

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