Professor Mitochondrial Biology

- with focus on research

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The Division of Molecular Metabolism at Karolinska Institutet is a world leader in mitochondrial biology, exploring how mitochondria function in health and disease. As part of the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics—with its 12 dynamic divisions and 270 researchers— the division investigates the fundamental regulation of mitochondrial gene expression and the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial diseases. It works closely with the Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases (CMMS), Sweden’s national hub for newborn screening and metabolic diagnostics. This collaboration bridges cutting-edge fundamental research with clinical impact.

Description of the subject area

Mitochondria are essential for cellular energy conversion via the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway and play key roles in metabolic regulation, immune responses, and development. Their dysfunction cause mitochondrial disorders, which are one of the most common inherited metabolic conditions, and is linked to a wide spectrum of disorders, including cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite their critical importance, the pathophysiological mechanisms driving mitochondrial diseases remain poorly understood, highlighting the need for dedicated research in this field. Mitochondria possess their own genome, encoding 13 OXPHOS protein components, along with ribosomal and transfer RNAs. The expression of these genes relies on intricate interactions with numerous nuclear-encoded factors. Mutations affecting mtDNA expression, whether in nuclear-encoded proteins or the mitochondrial genome itself, lead to a diverse array of diseases. The establishment of a Professorship in Mitochondrial Biology aims to drive pioneering research into the fundamental mechanisms of mitochondrial function.

Your mission

We seek an independent researcher who will lead and perform cutting-edge studies on mitochondrial biology. Mechanistic and structural analyses in the human system are important.

The successful applicant is expected to perform internationally recognized research and to have an active role in the ongoing development of research at the Division of Molecular Metabolism and Karolinska Institutet. You are also expected to participate in the basic education of students at the department and to supervise undergraduate and doctoral students, and postdoctoral trainees in your research area.

As a group leader, you will manage your grants, personnel, work environment, and administrative responsibilities within the department. Engaging in collaborations with other research groups at Karolinska Institutet and internationally, as well as public outreach, is also an integral part of the role.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for an employment as Professor with focus on research the applicant must have demonstrated very good pedagogical skills and excellent scientific skills

See the instructions regarding the Appointment Procedure for Teachers at Karolinska Institutet.

It is a requirement that you have completed 10 weeks of courses on teaching in higher education, as indicated in the recommendations of the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institution. If you lack such education at the time of employment, you must undergo such education during the first two years of employment.

Assessment criteria

The Professorship has a focus on research. The assessment will weight qualifications as follows: scientific skills (3), pedagogical skills (2), leadership and collaboration skills (2).

For employment as Professor at Karolinska Institutet, the assessment criteria stated in the Instructions regarding the Appointment Procedure are applied in relation to established profile of employment.

It is particularly meritorious that you have demonstrated

• Leadership within the field of mitochondrial biology and internationally recognized research of relevance for human health and disease. 

After an overall assessment of the expertise and merits of the applicants in relation to the subject area, Karolinska Institutet will determine which of them has the best potential to contribute to a positive development of the activities at KI.

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. Here, 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

https://ki.se/en/mbb/research/research-division-of-molecular-metabolism
Your career continues here]

Application

Your application must contain the following documents in English: a cover letter as well as a resumé and a qualifications portfolio including a description of your research plan, both presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet’s template (http://ki.se/qualificationsportfolio). You may change or add to your application at any time up to and including the application deadline date. After the deadline, the process closes, and no amendment or addition can be made to your application.

The applications will be reviewed by external reviewers, most often both national and international. For that reason, all the submitted documents should be written in English.

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

We look forward to receiving your application!

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