Research Assistant in Systems Neuroscience - Neural basis of survival behaviors

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The Stagkourakis lab, located in state-of-the-art facilities at the interface of Karolinska Institute and the Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab) in Stockholm, is recruiting for two research assistant positions in experimental neuroscience. The lab is integrated into a leading, highly interdisciplinary, world-class environment i.e., the Department of Neuroscience at Karolinska Institute, and is also part of SciLifeLab, a Swedish national center for large-scale research in molecular biosciences, cutting-edge infrastructure, and expertise in data analytics. The aim of the lab is to contribute to a better understanding of the neural basis of prototypical behaviors, including instinctual and homeostatic behaviors, such as aggression, fear, food, and water intake. Primary experimental techniques utilized in our lab include but are not limited to; in vivo large-scale electrophysiology, miniscope and 2P imaging, AAV-mediated transduction of neural circuits of interest, and animal behavior.

Division

The Department of Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet hosts 40 research groups and teams dealing with different aspects of the function of the nervous system, both under normal conditions and during different diseases:

SciLifeLab is a national resource of unique technologies and expertise available to life scientists, closely intertwined with the community of researchers in areas such as biomedicine, ecology and evolution. Its purpose is to bring scientists together across traditional boundaries and foster collaborations with industry, health care, public research organizations and international partners.

Your profile

Research in our lab integrates various approaches, making us open to individuals from diverse backgrounds. A foundation in quantitative fields (e.g., mathematics, engineering, computer science, physics) or prior experience in experimental techniques (e.g., molecular biology, high-channel density silicon probe electrophysiology in vivo or in vitro, advanced animal behavior designs and analysis, miniscope or two-photon imaging) is advantageous. Candidates are expected to demonstrate previous productivity and have prior experience working in a lab.

A combination of at least some of the following skills is essential:

• - Ability to work with complex experimental setups.
• - Ability to work independently.
• - Proficiency in “big” data analysis (using MATLAB or Python).
• - FELASA B accreditation.

Candidates with demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following domains will be prioritized:

• - Assembly, maintenance, and use of complex imaging systems.
• - Combination of behavior experiments with neural recordings using the Inscopix mini endoscope, or 2P imaging.
• - Ability to explore and analyze large datasets using modern machine learning methods and a data-centered approach.
• - Previous participation in collaborative projects with computational or experimental researchers.
• - Familiarity with Arduino, Bonsai, DataJoint, DeepLabCut, keypoint MoSeq or neural data recording platforms.
• - Use of hardware and (custom) software to interface and synchronize behavioral and neural recording setups.

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: Solna

The Stagkourakis Lab is located at Biomedicum and SciLifeLab, at the Karolinska Institute Solna Campus

• Biomedicum, Dept. of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Solnavägen 9, 171 65 Solna
• SciLifeLab, Gamma 5, Tomtebodavägen 23, 171 65 Solna

Department of Neuroscience

The Stagkourakis lab

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 2025-06-01.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

An application must contain the following documents in English:

- CV that includes your prior academic or industry training, current position, and other academic distinctions.

- A cover letter explaining your interest in working with our group.

- Two or more letters of reference. 

This is a fixed-term position for 6 months, with the possiblity to be extended to 1 year. 

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