Research Assistant – macromolecular cargo loading to EVs

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of seven divisions in which both research and teaching are conducted. The department is involved in advanced research in both basic and applied research. All divisions operate in close contact with clinics at Karolinska University Hospital. The activities of the Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM) focus on the use of modified biomolecules, cells and cell products as novel therapeutic agents and the identification and study of suitable biomolecular and cellular targets for therapy and diagnosis.

We are seeking a highly motivated person to join the group of Prof. Samir EL Andaloussi 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 CRISPR. In this project, we will utilize extracellular vesicles (EVs), which 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 CRISPR 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 CRISPR delivery to hard-to-reach tissues. This would enable us to treat several diseases that are out of reach today. In your work as a research assistant, you will mainly do standard laboratory work, e.g. work with PCR, cloning, plasmid preparation, cell culture, EV preparation and technology, but other tasks may also occur.

Your profile

The applicant should have a solid background in basic- or molecular biology and/or experience working with optimization of CRISPR for therapeutic use The position requires practical lab experience in the following areas: foremost experience with PCR, cloning, cell culture, lentivirus production, EV production and engineering and optimization of gRNAs. The ideal candidate would furthermore have experience with fusogenic proteins and their usability in gene therapy applications.

Eligibiliy requirements:

To be eligible for employment as an Research Assistant the following skills are required (mandatory):

A strong background in molecular biology
Experience working with EVs for therapeutic applications
Protein engineering to enhance loading of protein cargos to EVs
Engineering of gRNAs for improved efficacy of Cas9 editing
Practical laboratory experience in the following areas: PCR, cloning, cell culture, lentivirus production, and, EV purification (including large-scale purification, here defined as collecting media from over 100 15 cm dishes for one purification)

In addition, excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English is important. As a person We want you to be a energetic and passionate person who fits in and actively contributes to our team. In this recruitment We place hight importance on personal characteristics.

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

Read about Samir EL andaloussi Research group

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 2 May.

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.

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.

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