Research Specialist in molecular parasitology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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The Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. MTC have about 40 research groups and our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations.

The position is an opportunity to join malaria research at Karolinska Institute. Our unit is strongly focused in the chemotherapy of antimalarials, in particular in the management of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Parasite drug resistance is the central theme of research. We work with a network of African countries in order to translate as much as possible our findings into knowledge with real application in the fight of malaria and ultimately its elimination.

Description of the subject area

Our group of research is presently focusing its expertise on the rapidly rising antimalarial drug resistance in Africa, which is threatening the central tool for the treatment of malaria: Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT). ACT failure has the potential of driving a cross-African public health disaster.  We are looking for a researcher with track record in malaria, in particular in the areas of drug resistance and antimalarial pharmacogenetics.

Your mission

The succesfull candidate needs to have a strong expertise and track record in malaria research, in particular in the areas of parasite drug resistance and the pharmacology of antimalarials, including pharmacogenetics. You will be expected to lead the establishment of new phenotyping platforms for studying Artemisinin combination Therapy (ACT) resistance, with a strong emphasis in molecular epidemiology. Knowledge and research of Plasmodium vivax chemotherapy, including host pharmacogenetics is desirable, as an expansion of the unit capabilities. Availability for field work, in particular in Africa, is required. Routine duties include laboratory work, supervision of students, application writing, manuscript writing, as well as administrative duties.

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.

We are seeking a scientist with a background in population genetics and molecular biology of malaria, with experience in genetic epidemiology and pharmacogenetics of antimalarial drugs. Statistics skills and experience of dealing with field studies are required. The candidate is expected to be independent in the areas of experimental design, data gathering and analysis as well as manuscript and grant preparation. It is also expected to be a productive scientist, with an output of at least 20 original publications in the last 10 years, of which at least two as last author. Capacity to attract funding is highly valorized, at national and international levels. Other desired capabilities include: track record as supervisor for training at doctoral and post-doctoral levels and experience in managing national and international research collaborations. Strong proficiency in Portuguese, spoken and written, represents a significant plus, as the project involves collaboration and field work in African Portuguese speaking countries.

Assessment criteria

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. Here, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.

Location: Solna

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.

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