Research Specialist in Clinical Immunology and Immunogenetics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to improving people's health?

This permanent position in the Division of Immunology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (MBB), will be part of Professor Qiang Pan-Hammarström's research group. The group conducts research on the genetics of inborn errors of immunity, B cell biology, B-cell lymphomagenesis and immunotherapy. It consists of several PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior scientists.

 Description of the subject area

We are interested in studying B cell development and immunoglobulin gene diversifications in the context of inborn errors of immunity. We are seeking a researcher with a strong background in clinical immunology and immunogenetics, particularly in investigating genetic mechanism underlying inborn errors of immunity associated with antibody deficiency and B-cell lymphoma.

Your mission

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated candidate who is interested in applying new technologies and tools to investigate the mechanisms underlying human inborn errors of immunity and to identify novel disease-associated genes. In this position, you will work closely with our multidisciplinary team of researchers, including clinicians, biotechnologists, and bioinformaticians.

The main responsibility of the successful candidate will be to conduct and supervise research focused on identifying potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for various types of inborn errors of immunity—particularly antibody deficiency and associated lymphomas. This work will involve detailed clinical phenotyping, pathological and imaging investigations, advanced immunological evaluations, and the use of next-generation sequencing techniques such as whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing, targeted sequencing, multi-omics analysis, single-cell sequencing, and functional assays.

Routine responsibilities will include laboratory work, data analysis, supervision of students and postdoctoral researchers, writing grant applications and scientific manuscripts, as well as participating in administrative tasks. As a research specialist, your primary role will be to carry out research. A limited amount of teaching may also be required, up to a maximum of 20% of your working hours.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for appointment as a Research Specialist, the candidate must hold both an MD and a PhD, and have at least five years of experience in clinical immunology and inborn errors of immunity as a postdoctoral fellow and/or assistant professor. The candidate should have demonstrated the appropriate level of scientific competence, including a strong record of research following the public defense of their doctoral thesis. This should be evidenced by a portfolio of first-author, last-author, and other extensive publications in internationally leading journals within the relevant fields in recent years.

Advanced research experience in next-generation sequencing techniques and data analysis—specifically whole-genome/exome sequencing and single-cell profiling—is required. The applicant must be detail-oriented and capable of working efficiently in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment. Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret and integrate both clinical and basic research data, and the ability to produce high-quality scientific publications, are essential.

The ability to attract research funding, both nationally and internationally, is highly valued. A strong track record in supervising doctoral-level training is also desirable. Documented pedagogical skills and completion of supervision or teaching courses will be considered an advantage.

Additional meritorious qualifications include experience in conducting systematic reviews, managing large-scale patient and health data registries, and expertise in the burden of disease and molecular epidemiology related to inborn errors of immunity.

 Assessment criteria

The applicants’ qualifications will be assessed based on their curriculum vitae and publication record. Particular emphasis will be placed on demonstrated ability to work and publish within a multidisciplinary environment involving researchers, clinicians, and bioinformaticians. Reference letters will be requested and taken into consideration for shortlisted candidates.

Required Qualifications:

MD and PhD degrees Proven excellence in the field of clinical immunology and immunogenetics Experience in supervising master's and doctoral-level students Hands-on experience with omics techniques and bioinformatics Demonstrated ability to secure competitive research funding Experience in international collaborative research projects A strong track record of publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals

What do we offer?

Karolinska Institutet (KI) is one of the world’s leading medical universities, renowned for its excellence in medical research and education. As Sweden’s largest center for medical training, KI offers a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment where researchers from diverse backgrounds come together to advance the frontiers of medicine and health.

At KI, you will engage with experts across a broad range of specializations and methodologies, fostering unique opportunities for knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. It is precisely these cross-disciplinary interactions that have propelled Karolinska Institutet to the forefront of global research.

Many of Sweden’s healthcare professionals are trained at KI, and the university maintains strong partnerships with healthcare providers to ensure that both research and education are of the highest quality and relevance.

As a state university, KI also offers a comprehensive benefits package under the Swedish collective agreement, contributing to a secure and supportive working environment.

Application

An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

• A Curriculum vitae including a complete list of publications and names of two references with contact details according to the Karolinska Institutet Qualifications portfolio for teachers and researchers (KI qualifications portfolio).
• A summary of current work (no more than one page)

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