Research Specialist in Molecular Immunology and Cancer Immunology

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We are looking for a Research Specialist in molecular immunology and cancer immunology to conduct research and to support research activities in the Nyberg lab. The Nyberg lab is a newly formed research group at the Karolinska Institute. The overall aim of the Nyberg lab is to develop and use cutting-edge technologies for genetical engineering to enhance T cell therapies of cancer. As part of the Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM) and the Science for Life Laboratory, the lab is part of a collaborative environments of excellent translational research groups.

Your mission

The use of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) in T cells has transformed the field of cell therapies for cancers. We have developed cutting-edge technologies to generate precisely engineered (CAR)-T cells using gene targeting, and new types of adeno-associated viruses (AAV) that allow for T cell specific genetic manipulations. The current goal of the lab is to use these technologies to maximize the potential of (CAR)-T cell therapies. The outlined project aims to develop strategies for efficient generation of (CAR)-T cells in vivo, where vectors carrying components for gene editing are injected to engineer T cells in situ. These studies will be performed in humanized mouse models, with goals to develop translational tools for clinical applications. Your role will be to support the ongoing research in the lab within this area and to drive your own research project, you are also expected to contribute significantly to the preparation and of manuscripts in the lab. The position demands fundamental knowledge in molecular immunology and will require the use of molecular biology techniques. You will be expected to design, synthesize and clone large cDNA libraries for CRISPR/Cas9-based screens. You are also expected to produce virus at large scale for both in vivo and in vitro experiments.

In your role as Research Specialist, you are also expected to support the Principal Investigator with tasks related to administration and organization of the lab. These tasks include ordering reagents for the lab, setting up routines for laboratory maintenance, mentoring junior staff, preparing ethical permits, and other tasks that are part of the day-to-day of running a research lab.

Your Profile

The candidate should have strong background in immunology, ideally with experiences from cancer research and gene engineering. The candidate is required to have a PhD, and the applicant must have demonstrated research expertise as well as have documented research experience after defending their doctoral dissertation. It is expected that the candidate contributes to a collaborative environment in the lab and can meet deadlines and work independently.

Assessment criteria

In addition to the eligibility criteria, the applicant should demonstrate:

• Strong background and knowledge in immunology and molecular immunology.
• Experience with and basic molecular biology tools, such as PCR, cloning, Western blot, ELISA, qPCR, library preparations and sgRNA design.
• Experiences working with cell cultures from mouse or human cells.
• Comfortable with flow cytometry and cell sorting.
• Documented ability to write and publish papers throughout their career.
• Excellent English oral communication, and in writing.
• Experience from grant writing.
• Experience from the analysis of genetic data.
• Documented experiences of mentoring of students, either in the lab or through teaching.

Great emphasis is placed on personal suitability such as communication skills and organizational skills as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

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. 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: Flemingsberg and Solna.

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 23 September 2024. This is a time-limited employment of one year.

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