Research assistant in microbiology

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

Our research focuses mainly on host-bacterial interactions, with projects ranging from bacterial regulatory systems to innate immune responses in the host. The main research program includes studies on the molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of pneumococcal infections, from the clinical side to more basic approaches looking at host-pathogen interactions. In our group, you will be able to develop knowledge ranging from basic microbiology, bacterial regulatory systems and immune response of the host.

Your mission

We are looking for a candidate to fulfil a temporary position working primarily on investigating the pathogenesis and innate immune response to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. The goal is to dissect pneumococcal factors involved in activating lung resident macrophages, to better understand their contribution to a protective immune response, and to study the effect of immunization with pneumococcal vesicles. The project will focus on generating mutant strains of S. pneumoniae, before investigating the immune response they induce in macrophages. Flow cytometry and ELISAs will be used to fully characterise the immune response. Also, in vivo experiments will be involved. Moreover, maintaining a lab notebook with thorough and organized data, as well as oral and written communication in English of the results will be required.

Your profile

Requirements for the position:

The successful candidate is preferably a MSc graduate, with laboratory experience in both microbiology, especially on pneumococcal infections, and immunology, and of animal work, looking for a short lab project to gain further experience in laboratory work.
The candidate should have an understanding of microbiological theory and previous laboratory experience working with bacteria, especially growth and culturing in BSL-2 level, purifying pneumococcal genomic DNA, PCR techniques and extensive knowledge in cloning transformation and creating bacterial mutants.
The candidate should have experience in animal work, conducting flow cytometry and using FlowJo analysis software.
The applicant should be methodical and organized in work and have good record keeping skills.
Successful applicants must have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a group, have social skills, and have excellent English communication skills, both oral and written.

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: Solna

https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-groups/the-birgitta-henriques-normark-laboratory

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 2024-09-03.

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.

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