Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate functional plasticity of Tissue Resident Memory T cells TRM

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

This position is based at the Department of Medicine, Solna, within the Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM)—a nationally leading and internationally recognized research environment focused on tissue inflammation. The role is positioned in the Division of Dermatology and Venereology. The division promotes active interdisciplinary collaboration among research groups working in molecular and cellular immunology, supporting innovative approaches to both fundamental and translational research.

The group investigates the role of human resident T cells in chronic inflammatory skin conditions, with a particular focus on understanding the immunological mechanisms underlying the formation and persistence of localized disease memory in psoriasis and vitiligo. Our work aims to address this significant clinical challenge using state-of-the-art technologies, including flow cytometry of tissue-derived cells, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and advanced molecular and imaging methods.

Your mission

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious postdoctoral researcher to explore the functional plasticity of TRM cells in human skin and/or preclinical models. The position will include the following:

• Designing and performing experiments to investigate TRM heterogeneity, differentiation, and functional states in inflammatory skin diseases.
• Applying advanced immunological and molecular techniques, such as multiparameter flow cytometry, cell sorting, in vitro differentiation assays, spatial transcriptomics, and in vivo imaging (e.g., two-photon microscopy).
• Exact experimental platforms will be decided depending on the expertise and interest of the applicant and the needs in the project.
• Work with human skin explants and/or humanized mouse models of skin inflammation.
• Collaborating with internal and external partners to analyze human tissue samples and/or animal models.
• Actively participating in research discussions, contributing to a dynamic and collaborative research environment, and mentoring junior lab members.
• Preparing scientific presentations, contributing to grant applications, and leading or co-authoring manuscripts for publication.

We offer a stimulating and supportive environment for career development, with opportunities for international collaboration and academic growth.

Your profile

We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow with:

• A PhD in immunology, molecular biology, or a related field 
• Strong theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cellular and tissue immunology, particularly T cell biology in the context of skin or barrier tissues.
• Proven expertise in one or more of the following techniques: flow cytometry, primary human cell culture, in vitro T cell assays, tissue imaging (confocal or two-photon microscopy), transcriptomic analysis (e.g., RNA-seq or spatial transcriptomics), or genetic manipulation (e.g., CRISPR).
• Experience in skin immunology, including work on tissue-resident memory T cells, regulatory T cells, or immune regulation at epithelial barriers, is particularly meriting.
• Familiarity with in vivo models of skin inflammation or autoimmune diseases is an asset but not essential.
• A high level of scientific rigor, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• A collaborative, proactive mindset, with a strong drive to contribute to scientific discoveries, mentor junior colleagues, and publish impactful research.

A good personal fit with the team and a passion for translational immunology in the context of skin and immune regulation are essential.

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.

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: Solna

 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 summary of current work (no more than one page)

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

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.

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