Postdoctoral Researcher in infection biology of soft tissue infections

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The Palma Medina lab focuses on identifying host and pathogenic factors that trigger the transition of opportunistic bacterial pathogens from benign colonizer to aggressive pathogen causing severe invasive infections. Ultimately, we aim to contribute to better health by identification of novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and patient stratification, as well as to uncover key pathways for therapeutic intervention.

This position is based at the Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM), located at the recently established ANA Futura research facilities. Our research division has a focus on translational studies of the human immune system and infection biology.  We offer an engaging, international research environment with opportunities for collaboration among microbiologist, immunologist, cell biologist and clinicians.

Your mission

In this project, you will have the opportunity to address outstanding questions in the field of infection biology of invasive infection. You will work with clinical samples to map local and systemic immune responses and translating the findings into tailored in vitro models for mechanistic studies. Your main task will be to design in vitro soft tissue models, including organotypic 3D models or microfluidic models that mimic the tissue microenvironment of infection. These models will include the key factors identified by microscopy and transcriptomics of biopsies, immunoprofiling of blood cells, and/or plasma proteomics. You will conduct mechanistic studies through in vitro infections in the novel models to examine the changes in immune responses and metabolism of both the host and pathogen. Our aim is to identify pathways critical for the development of severe infections.

Your profile

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctor, a PhD or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a Swedish PhD is required. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled at the latest at the time of the employment decision. Completion of your doctoral degree within the last three years is considered an advantage. If there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier.

Applicants must have a background in cell biology, immunology, microbiology or a related field. We are looking for a person with significant experience in cell culture and a passion for developing in vitro models for infection. Applicants familiar with microfluidics, spheroid/organoid or similar 3D culture models are highly encouraged to apply. Previous experience in single-cell RNA-seq, microscopy and omics data analysis are advantageous. Experience working with bacterial pathogens is favourable. Good cooperation, independence, and communication skills are required. Applicant should be fluent in English (both written and spoken). We put great emphasis on personal suitability.

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. At Karolinska Institutet, 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: Flemingsberg

Choose to work at KI – Ten reasons why

Application

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

• PhD certificate
• A complete resumé, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
• A complete list of publications
• A personal letter (no more than 2 pages), including
  •  Summary of current work
  • Why are you interested in this position
  • Experiences and knowledge do you think are most relevant for this job
  • Personal qualities that can be advantageous for this position.
• At least two references 

Welcome to apply at the latest 2025-08-15

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

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