Research assistant

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We are looking for a motivated research assistant to join a cutting-edge interdisciplinary project investigating how lipids regulate stemness and tissue regeneration.

The project will be performed collaboratively between Jonas Frisén Lab and Pekka Katajisto Lab  at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Erdinc Sezgin Lab at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health. The research assistant will be located at SciLifeLab at Karolinska Institutet.

SciLifeLab and KI provide a world-class research environment with access to outstanding infrastructure and expertise in basic and translational biomedical research. Our lab operates at the interface of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. This project aims to explore how specific lipid species influence stem cell behavior, regenerative capacity, and how this knowledge can be translated into novel lipid-based therapies. The candidate will work in a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment with direct relevance to regenerative medicine and stem cell biology.

This position is for 1 year 100% employment.

Application Deadline: 28 May 2025

Start Date: July 2025

Your mission

The research assistant will support investigations into the role of lipids in regulating stemness in intestinal and neural organoids. The project involves:

• Culturing and maintaining 3D intestinal organoids and neural organoids
• Performing lipid treatments using dietary, synthetic, and metabolite-derived species
• Conducting advanced imaging, flow cytometry, and molecular assays
• Assisting in metabolomic and transcriptomic data collection and analysis
• Participating in testing of lipid-based pro-regenerative agents
• Collaborating closely with other members of the CSI:Nano lab and affiliated groups at SciLifeLab and KI

Your profile

To be eligible for employment as a research assistant, candidates must have obtained an MSc degree by the position's start date.

Essential qualifications:

• A completed BSc in life or natural sciences (e.g., biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, or related fields)
• A MSc in biomedical or life sciences by the time of start date
• Hands-on experience in advanced imaging techniques (e.g., confocal microscopy) and image analysis using platforms like Fiji, CellProfiler
• Familiarity with 2D and 3D cell culture models and organoid systems
• Experience with transcriptomic data analysis (e.g., scRNA-seq) and basic molecular biology methods
• Previous involvement in interdisciplinary, stem cell-focused, or neurobiology-related research projects
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently and contribute to collaborative efforts

Desired:

• Expertise in scientific programming is an advantage 

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: SciLifeLab, Campus Solna

Visit CSI:Nano

Visit SciLifeLab

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 28 May 2025.

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

An employment application must contain the following documents in English:

• A complete resumé, including your expertise, current position, academic distinctions, list of publications and committee work
• A brief letter describing why you want to work with us and how you can contribute to the existing knowledge in the lab (no more than one page)

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