Research Specialist in Translational Neuropharmacology and Movement Disorders

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

Per Svenningsson's research group at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS) is a translational and multidisciplinary research group studying movement disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease, and depression. We use cellular and animal models and analyze samples and biopsies from patients. Our goals are to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying disease states and to identify novel biomarkers and medically relevant therapeutic targets. As a research specialist, you will be an integral part of our team constantly pushing the boundaries using the newest medical approaches.

Your mission

We are looking for a motivated, knowledgeable and committed research specialist to participate in several projects in Translational Neuropharmacology. The position will focus on investigating mechanisms and biomarkers of movement disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease, and depression, both in in vitro and in vivo studies.

The research specialist is expected to have a leading role in experimental design, experimental execution, data analysis and presentation, as well as presentation/publication of the results. The successful candidate will also contribute to writing scientific articles and applying for research grants. From a technical perspective, the candidate will be involved in preparing recombinant proteins from different sources, connected to Parkinson’s disease and related disorders (like α-synuclein and GPR37). Moreover, the successful candidate will be responsible for the quantitative analysis of neurotransmitters, both in human and animal samples.

Besides the above, the person will be involved in the screening of human biofluids against biomarkers for Parkinson´s disease and their further validation. The applicant will also be expected to investigate selected targets and discover their role in pathology using cell culture approaches. Additionally, the candidate will serve as a mentor for undergraduate and master students, as well as a co-mentor for Ph.D. students, in addition to participating in group meetings and journal clubs. The applicant will be expected to work well independently and as part of a team, establishing and maintaining collaborations. The applicant shall also be responsible for interactions with other collaborators important to the project area.

Eligibility requirements

The successful candidate should have:  

• A PhD in a relevant field with postdoctoral research experience, with a strong scientific background relevant to the study of neurodegenerative disorders and depression.
• A strong background in protein purification and characterization is a must, preferably including targets from the neuroscience field.
• Experience with a wide range of biophysical methods for protein characterization including mass spectrometry, FPLC/HPLC, TEM, spectroscopic methods, Protein-protein interactions, WB, ELISA and immunostaining methods.
• Ability to get research grants and work in different types of organizations.
• Good ability to present research results.
• Good organizational skills, personal commitment and flexibility. Social competence, ability to work in a team and communication skills.
• Good knowledge of English, oral and written.

To be eligible for employment as a research specialist the applicant must have demonstrated research expertise and been awarded a doctorate or a qualification from a foreign higher education institution deemed equivalent to a Swedish Degree of Doctor, and have documented research experience after defending their doctoral dissertation. 

Assessment criteria

It is particularly meritorious that the applicant has shown

• skills in cell culture, confocal and/or fluorescence microscopy.
• experience in handling human samples together with skills in large data analysis. 

It is meritorious that the applicant has shown

• Certification permitting work with laboratory animals (rodents).
• Interest in and documented experience in the supervision of master's students and doctoral students.
• Ability to work in highly international environments.

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 22 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!