Research Specialist in Neuroimmunology with focus on the etiology and pathogenesis of Myasthenia Gravis

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

In our research group, led by Professor Fredrik Piehl and Associate Professor Susanna Brauner, you will get a unique opportunity to work with pioneering research at the intersection of immunology, epidemiology, genetics, and clinical neurology. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by autoantibodies targeted against receptors on the neuromuscular endplate that is thought to result from the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. In the group, we are currently carrying out national and international studies to better characterize risk factors, disease course and treatment response in patients with MG. We offer an engaging and international research environment where you can contribute to high-quality research at an internationally competitive level.

Your mission

The successful candidate will co-develop and lead an experimental project aimed at characterizing the pathogenesis of MG by combining immunological methods with genomics and proteomics, partly aimed at elucidating the role of infection in disease development. The project involves research on unique blood and tissue samples collected locally and in collaboration with other European centers and aims to molecularly characterize immune cells in blood and thymus tissue.
The candidate is expected to be able to independently drive projects forward, both experimentally and intellectually, aimed at developing an independent line of research. 

The research specialist are expected to constructively and independently review scientific literature and conduct experiments, analyze data, interpret results and prepare research reports and grant applications. The role also includes presenting data at national meetings and international conferences. Good collaboration skills are important, including assisting PhD students and postdoctoral researchers at the unit with their projects and helping with the introduction of new team members. 

Eligibility requirements

It is a requirement that the applicant has demonstrated:

• PhD and postdoctoral experience on immune-mediated diseases, with demonstrated skills in handling both patient material and murine models of disease.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the mechanisms underlying inflammation and immune regulation in multiple immune-mediated diseases, with an emphasis on autoimmune disorders and microbe-host interactions.
• Demonstrated skills in cell extraction, analysis and culture of primary immune cells from diverse tissue types.
• High proficiency in multiparametric flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting.
• Documented expertise in single-cell RNA library preparation.
• Basic knowledge of programming (using e.g. R and Python) and analysis of large datasets.
• Demonstrated good scientific communication and dissemination skills.
• Ability to manage and lead scientific projects, verified by first and corresponding authorships in peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience in project management involving national and international collaborators within and outside academia.
• Extensive experience in scientific writing (paper and grant applications).
• Good oral and written skills in Swedish and English. 

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

It is particularly meritorious that the applicant has shown:

• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
• Good capacity to train students and cultivate new skills.

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

Read more about the Department of Clinical Neuroscience
Read more about the research group you will be part of

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.

Welcome to apply at the latest 3rd of May 2024.

The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

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