Research Specialist in Genome organization - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

Dr. Magda Bienko lab at Karolinska Institute is looking for a Research specialist to work in the field of genome organization/3D genome biology.

The Bienko laboratory is focused on developing and applying cutting-edge genomic technologies to map the spatial organization of chromatin in the nucleus of mammalian cells, with the long-term goal of understanding principles of DNA-RNA-protein interactions which shape higher-order chromatin architecture and orchestrate it under physiological and pathological conditions.

The position contributes to generating knowledge that has the potential to in the near future make contributions for the development of new approaches to treat a variety of human diseases.

The Bienko lab focuses on understanding principles of genome organization, in doing so we hope to contribute to basic knowledge that will help to treat several disorders. We are located at Karolinska Institutet and SciLifeLab where we work in a unique environment where new concepts and scientific ideas thrive. At the Bienko lab you will have the opportunity to collaborate and network with scientists from diverse scientific fields and backgrounds. Moreover, as the lab expands into the Human Technopole in Milan, Italy, you will have the opportunity to be involved in joint research projects and exchange visits with the lab in Milan.

Description of the subject area

Our main research interest is to understand how the nucleus of eukaryotic cells is spatially organized, and how the genome's three-dimensional (3D) architecture affects gene expression regulation and genome integrity.

We are also interested in understanding the role of 3D genome architecture and fragility in diseases such as cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders, and strive to use our knowledge of genome organization and fragility to develop improved diagnostic methods.

Against these goals, we combine advanced microscopy methods, next-generation sequencing techniques, and advanced computational methods to assess chromosome contacts, chromatin modifications, DNA disruption, chromosomal rearrangements, and gene expression levels in cultured cells and patient-derived tissue samples.

Your mission

The Research specialist will:

• Support ongoing and new projects at the Bienko lab
• Lead projects in the area of genome organization/3D genome biology with a strong emphasis on genome-wide techniques, including but not limited to Hi-C, GPSeq, ATAC-seq, CRISPR/Cas gene editing, biophysics and FISH.
• Supervise, help recruit and mentor junior members of the team (PhD students).
• Contribute to generating new projects and concepts to advance our understanding of principles of chromatin organization.
• Generate preliminary data and writing grants for extramural funding.
• Provide assistance for NGS data generation and analysis training new members of the team.
• Establish new collaborations and continue cultivating existing collaborations to advance the Bienko lab research goals.
• Generate reliable data for publication in the projects to which s/he is assigned and record all data and results in specified forms (paper and electronic).
• Write scientific manuscripts.
• Present data at international and local scientific conferences.

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.

Assessment criteria

• At least 7 years of proven experience as a Postdoctoral fellow in a molecular biology lab.
• Previous experience with both Laboratory management and Project management duties.
• Thorough knowledge from the 3D genome organization field

It is particularly meritorious that the applicant has shown

• Track record in the following areas:
• Experience in working as a bench scientist to produce samples for NGS from a variety of biological samples and conditions (e.g. low number of cells) with excellent laboratory and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience in the optimization and execution of high-throughput sequencing technologies e.g., Hi-C, NGS and super resolution microscopy techniques.
• Experience in molecular biology for the manipulation and isolation of DNA (shRNAs, siRNAs).
• Experience in genome assembly techniques and genome assembly data analysis.
• Experience in utilizing biophysical methods to model the organization of the genome in 3D.
• Ability to generate innovative molecular biology solutions by optimizing existing protocols or generating new ones.
• Teach students trouble shooting methods.
• Proven ability to analyse and visualize complex sequencing data using multiple state-of-the-art computational tools and pipelines
• Experience in integrating and interpreting complex multi-omics data produced by different methods.

• Ability to write research and review articles as well as applications for extramural funding.
• Proven mobility throughout her/his career and ability/interest to work in a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and a drive to promote inclusion.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and to work independently.
• Ability to build trust through operating with transparency and creating an open and positive environment.
• Fluency in English is needed, Swedish is a plus.

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 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 a state university, which entitles to several benefits such as extended holiday and generous occupational pension. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Location: Solna, SciLieLab

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.

The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

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