Research Specialist in Epigenetics of Multiple Sclerosis

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

Join the dynamic and cooperative research group led by Prof. Maja Jagodic at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience. This opportunity allows you to contribute to interactive research fueled by relevant clinical inquiries, utilizing molecular understanding of the mechanisms behind Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in unique clinical cohorts and advanced models. You will benefit from a highly collaborative, engaged, and international research environment dedicated to exploring innovative translational ideas in precision medicine.

Your mission

As a research specialist, you will spearhead our mission to unravel the complex interactions between the epigenome, genetic factors, and lifestyle influences in MS. Utilizing cutting-edge methods, your work will focus on understanding how these factors drive immune cell aggression and increase brain cell vulnerability. In this role, you will design and implement advanced molecular and cellular experimental protocols, analyze complex omics datasets, and apply innovative techniques (including epigenome editing in iPSC-based models).

You will also play a crucial role in supervising and mentoring PhD and master’s students, guiding them through their research projects and fostering their development as future scientists. Your responsibilities will also include interpreting research findings, drafting comprehensive documentation, and presenting your discoveries to drive forward our understanding of MS in specific and neurological diseases in general.

Eligibility requirements

To be considered for the position of Research Specialist with us, you need to meet the following eligibility requirements:

• PhD in molecular genetics of neuroinflammatory conditions.
• Documented strong experience of Multiple Sclerosis research, genetics and epigenetics.
• Extensive experience of genome-wide and targeted DNA methylation and transcriptome methods.
• Documented theoretical and practical experience of dCas9-based tools for epigenome-editing.
• Good written and verbal communication in English.

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

• Advanced molecular biology skills including cloning, PCR based methods, preparation and quality control of sequencing libraries.
• Theoretical and practical experience of iPSC-based models, in vitro knockout and knockin models, cell line and primary cell cultures, transfection and transduction.
• Strong experience in project coordination and management.
• Documented experience of student supervision and teaching.

It is meritorious that the applicant has shown

• Experience with performing different types of RNA-sequencing analyses.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to collaborate nationally and internationally.
• Experience in presentation of scientific findings in international contexts.
• Proven success in obtaining grants in regional, national and/or international competition.

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 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 17th of October 2024.

The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Permanent positions are initiated by a six months trial period.

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