Research Assistant

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 Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM) conducts research focusing on the use of modified biomolecules, cells and cellular products as novel therapeutic agents and the identification and study of suitable biomolecular and cellular targets for therapy and diagnosis.

Currently, Assistant Professor Joel Nordin's research group is looking for a research assistant to develop engineered adeno-associated virus vectors for gene therapy. The position is temporary for 12 months.

Your mission

Most of the research will be conducted utilizing cell lines. The overreaching goal of the project is to develop adeno-associated viruses (AAV) effectively loaded with therapeutic molecules. In this project, we will utilize AAVs as a platform to deliver large payloads. AAVs carry the intrinsic ability to deliver single-stranded DNA of up to ~4.7 kb, the transduced cells' natural replication machinery is then utilized to synthesize the second DNA strand, leading to the formation protein protein-expressing episomes. The transgene size limitations imposed by the vector require careful optimization of cargo, disqualifying larger constructs, which our novel methods will try to overcome.

Your profile

We are looking for a person with a solid background in basic or molecular biology and/or experience working with fusion protein optimization for therapeutic use. We want you to have practical experience in the following areas: PCR, cloning, cell culture, protein blotting, production, modification and optimization of fusion proteins.

The following education/experience is required for the position:

A master's degree in molecular biology or similar is required on the date the position starts (not at the application level)
Experience working with AAVs for therapeutic applications
Protein modification of AAVs
Optimization of cloned constructs for improved efficiency as fusion proteins
Practical lab experience in the following areas: PCR, cloning, cell culture, western blotting, flow cytometry, and AAV production and purification.
Ability to speak and write English at an advanced level.

We are looking for a person who is structured, can work in a team and can take their own initiative. In this recruitment, we place great importance to 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: Huddinge

Read about research group Joel Nordin

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 1 December.

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