Research assistant in microbiology

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

Our research focuses mainly on host-bacterial interactions, with projects ranging from bacterial regulatory systems to innate immune responses in the host. The main research program includes studies on the molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of pneumococcal infections, from the clinical side to more basic approaches looking at host-pathogen interactions. In our group, you will be able to develop knowledge ranging from basic microbiology, bacterial regulatory systems and immune response of the host to epidemiological and clinical studies.

Your mission

We are looking for a candidate to fulfill a temporary position working primarily on purification of membrane vesicles (MVs) from Streptococcus pneumoniae and other Gram-positive and optimization of the protocol for MV production for use as a vaccine platform. The main goal is to develop a fast, cheap and efficient protocol that produces MVs with the defined composition and immunogenicity. This project will focus on the testing of different growth conditions and how they can affect composition of MVs, particularly different types of media and sugar source, temperature, pH, osmolarity and oxidative stress, as well as different purification methods, such as ultracentrifugation and gradient-phase separation, tangential flow filtration, precipitation or size-exclusion chromatography. Maintaining a lab notebook with thorough and organized data, as well as oral and written communication of the results will be required.

Your profile

The successful candidate is preferably a BSc graduate, with specialization in microbiology, looking for a short lab project to gain further experience. We are looking for someone with an understanding of microbiology theory and previous laboratory experience working with bacteria, especially growth and culturing in a BSL-2 level lab, extensive knowledge SDS-PAGE and Western blot, biochemical and immunological methods including ELISA, cell culture for immunogenicity studies, microscopy imaging with immunofluorescence staining and knowledge of ImageJ and ImageLab software. The applicant should be methodical and organized in work and have good record keeping skills. Successful applicants must have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a group and have excellent English communication skills, both oral and written.

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: Solna

Application

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