Research Assistant in Development and Formulation of Lipid Nanoparticles

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

The Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of seven divisions that conduct both research and teaching. The department is involved in advanced research, encompassing both basic and applied research. All divisions operate in close collaboration with clinicians at the Karolinska University Hospital. The Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM) focuses on the use of modified biomolecules, cells, and cell products as new therapeutic agents, as well as the identification and study of suitable biomolecular and cellular targets for therapy and diagnostics. The division is also connected to the Karolinska ATMP Center.

The division is currently seeking a research assistant with a strong background in and practical experience with RNA formulations based on LNP, for a fixed-term position for 12 months (full-time).

Our research

The research group of the EL Andaloussi lab is tackling one of the most critical challenges in modern therapeutics: the efficient delivery of macromolecules to target cells in vivo. Despite major advancements in disease understanding and mechanism exploration, many promising therapeutic approaches remain inaccessible in clinical settings due to a lack of effective delivery systems. To address this, we focus on pioneering novel drug delivery technologies that enable the safe and efficient transport of proteins, RNAs, and gene editors to specific tissues.

Our lab has established expertise in engineering extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes, which are optimized for therapeutic delivery and targeting. In our efforts to push boundaries, we also explore other advanced delivery systems, including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), to address distinct therapeutic challenges.

Your mission

We are seeking an ambitious researcher to develop methods for formulating lipid nanoparticles, with a focus on optimizing their stability and delivery efficiency for various therapeutic agents. You will test the produced formulations in various cell cultures and perform down-stream wet lab experiments to assess the activity.

Your profile

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in biochemistry and biotechnology with experience in LNP formulation or related fields in drug delivery systems.

The candidate must have:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology or a related field, with ongoing or completed advanced studies in Medical Biotechnology or a similar area
• Hands-on experience in essential laboratory techniques, including PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, molecular cloning, bacterial transformation, protein purification, western blotting, cytofluorimetric analysis, and immunofluorescence
• Experience with relevant analytical techniques (e.g., DLS, electron microscopy)
• Proven skills in transfection, infection, and cardiac differentiation protocols
• Relevant experience in production, and purification of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as well as oligonucleotide delivery methods, such as cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)

As a person We want you to be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative, with a passion for contributing to therapeutic advancements and tackling scientific challenges as well as the ability to work independently. You must be proficient in English

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

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 29 November

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system. In this recruitment, you will apply with your CV and personal letter.

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.

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