Research Specialist in Translational Neuropharmacology and Movement Disorders

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

The Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS) conducts research and education in the field of neuroscience from the molecular level to the society level. The clinical research and education is conducted in collaboration with other research groups from the Karolinska Institutet, with other universities as well as the Stockholm County Council.

Description of the subject area

We are 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 researcher to participate in several projects in Translational Neuropharmacology team. The position will focus on investigating biomarkers of movement disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease. The researcher is expected to have a leading role in collection and organization of biofluids, experimental design, experimental execution, data analysis, reports writing, as well as presentation/publication of the results. The successful candidate will also contribute to writing scientific articles and applying for research grants, as well as supervising bachelor's and master's students. From a technical perspective, the candidate will be involved in the collection, organization and screening of human biofluids against biomarkers for Parkinson´s disease.

The applicant will be expected to work well independently and as part of a team, establishing and maintaining collaborations. They should be motivated to work in an international and multidisciplinary research group. The applicant shall also be responsible for interactions with other collaborators important to the project area.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for employment as a Research Specialist, in addition to holding a Degree of Doctor, PhD, or having equivalent scientific expertise, the applicant must have demonstrated research expertise as well as have documented research experience after defending their doctoral dissertation.

In addition, it is required that the applicant has

• PhD in a relevant field with postdoctoral research experience, with a solid scientific background relevant to the study of neurodegenerative disorders.
• A strong background in human biobank work.
• Skills in building and managing RedCap projects.
• The TakeCare system working experience.
• Experience in handling and processing human samples together with skills in large data analysis.
• Candidates with skills in mammalian cell culture, including PBMCs isolation from the human blood, cell viability tests, calcium imaging, FACS skills, and good confocal and/or fluorescence microscopy expertise are highly desired.
• Experience with a wide range of laboratory methods for protein characterization, including protein purification, expression in bacterial cell culture, SDS-PAGE, WB, ELISA and immunostaining methods.
• Expertise in immunostaining of human FFPE tissue, animal tissue and ICC.
• Stereology and densitometry methods
• Experience in DNA work, including DNA extraction from human blood, PCR, RT-PCR and molecular cloning are preferred
• Strong skills in animal work (stereotaxic surgeries, behavioral work, etc.) and expertise in Parkinson’s disease-related animal models will be an advantage with FELASA function A accreditation. Experience in writing ethical animal applications are highly desired.
• Ability to work in different types of organizations.
• Good skills to present research results.
• Good organizational skills, personal commitment, and flexibility are essential. Social competence, the ability to work in a team, and communication skills in English are also essential.

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 team you will join

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 24-11-21

The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.

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