Research Assistant in Sample Preparation and Analysis of Central Nervous System

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

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

The research team in 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 advances in disease understanding and mechanism research, many promising therapeutic approaches are still unavailable in clinical settings due to lack of efficient delivery systems.To address this, we are focusing on pioneering new 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 the development of extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes, that are optimized for therapeutic delivery and targeting.In our quest to push the boundaries, we are also exploring other advanced delivery systems, including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), peptide nanoparticles and oligonucleotide conjugates to address various therapeutic challenges. Our platform utilizes different delivery vectors for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents in relevant cell and animal models and identifies the most efficient methods for different applications.

The Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine is seeking a Research Assistant for a fixed-term position for 11 months (full-time). We are looking for a candidate with a strong background and practical experience in processing and analyzing tissue samples and preclinical experiments in rodents, with a focus on the central nervous system.

Your mission

We are looking for a motivated research assistant to contribute to our research. In this role, you will assist with a variety of tasks, including in vivo experiments and data analysis. Tasks will be focused on tissue sample preparation for multiplex immunofluorescence and flow cytometry as well as assisting with in vivo experiments, focusing on central nervous system.

Your profile

The ideal candidate is an ambitious individual with a strong ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with a keen interest in the research focus. The role requires a good foundation in multiple scientific disciplines, along with proficiency in laboratory techniques, experimental analysis and preferably experience with in vivo experiments.

The candidate must have:

Completed, or be in the final year 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 with whole tissue sample preparation for flow cytometry, and in particularly FFPE for immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunofluorescence on CNS tissues for phenotypic analysis
Experience in whole brain and spinal cord dissections and good understanding of CNS anatomy and physiology
Experience with relevant analytical techniques, including immunohistochemistry multiplex immunofluorescence on FFPE tissues, fluorescent microscopy and image processing analysis
Demonstrated strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Certification in a FELASA-accredited Laboratory Animal Science (LAS) Function A course

Be fluent in English 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

It is meritorious to have:

Hands-on experience with stereotaxic injections into CNS in mice, including intracerebroventricular, intrathecal injection, implantation of osmotic minipumps, etc.

In addition to the above, you are fluent in English.
As a person, you are motivated, detail-oriented and collaborative, with a passion for contributing to therapeutic advances and addressing scientific challenges, and the ability to work independently.

In this recruitment we place great importance on personal characteristics.

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, Huddinge

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 20 December.

We prefer that your application is written in English, and should contain a resume and cover 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