Research Specialist in Neuro-Immunity of Allergy

Do you want to contribute to better health for all?

Join a pioneering research team exploring how the nervous system and immune system interact in allergic diseases. Our group, led by Dr. Sébastien Talbot at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, leverages cutting-edge methods to uncover neuro-immune mechanisms underlying allergy. Working with us means being part of a creative and collaborative environment at the forefront of a novel and dynamic field combining neuroscience and immunology. We aim to translate our fundamental discoveries into new therapeutic strategies for allergic conditions.

Description of the subject area

The subject area of this position is the interaction between the nervous system and the immune system in allergic inflammation. The focus is on understanding how sensory neurons influence immune responses in allergic diseases (such as asthma) and identifying novel cellular and molecular mechanisms that could serve as targets for future therapies. Our research group aims to define the neuro-immune interplay at a systemic level, to pinpoint how specific subpopulations of sensory neurons control innate and adaptive immune responses in the context of allergy. The goal is to identify new targets and develop innovative treatments for allergic diseases.

Your mission

As a Research Specialist in our team, you will play a key role in advancing research on neuro-immunity in allergy. In particular, you will be expected to:

• Design, lead, and execute experiments to investigate how sensory neurons interact with the immune system during allergic inflammation
• Utilize and develop advanced techniques (e.g. optogenetics, state-of-the-art imaging, molecular biology, and animal models of allergy) to unravel neuro-immune mechanisms
• Analyze and interpret data, and publish high-quality research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Supervise and mentor doctoral students and other junior lab members
• Collaborate with colleagues within the group and external partners to drive projects forward
• Contribute to grant writing and dissemination of results at scientific conferences

Eligibility requirements

For employment as Research Specialist at Karolinska Institutet, the eligibility requirements stated in the Guidelines for non-teaching positions at Karolinska Institutet are applied in relation to the established profile of employment.

To be eligible for employment as a Research Specialist, in addition to holding a Degree of Doctor, PhD, or having a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a Swedish doctoral degree, the applicant must have demonstrated research expertise as well as have documented postdoctoral research experience.

Additional specific requirements for the current position:

• PhD in immunology, neuroscience, physiology or another relevant field
• Documented postdoctoral research experience in related areas
• A strong scientific track record, demonstrated by publications in leading peer-reviewed journals
• In-depth knowledge of immunology and/or neurobiology, preferably with applications to allergic diseases
• Hands-on experience with experimental techniques relevant to the project, such as work with animal models, cellular and molecular biology methods, advanced microscopy or electrophysiology
• Excellent ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing

Assessment criteria

It is particularly meritorious that the applicant has shown

• The ability to conduct independent research of high scientific quality, as evidenced by high-impact publications as lead author and significant results in the field of neuroimmunology or allergy research
• Success in obtaining external research grants as principal or co-applicant
• Experience in leading research projects and in supervising students or junior researchers

It is meritorious that the applicant has shown

• Specialized technical expertise relevant to neuro-immune research (e.g. optogenetics, advanced in vivo imaging, single-cell analysis)
• Research experience in allergic diseases or other inflammatory disease models
• Excellent collaborative and communication skills; pedagogical experience (teaching or supervision) is an asset
• Knowledge of the Swedish language (speaking and writing) is a plus but not a requirement for the position

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/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-groups/neuroimmunology-of-cancer-sebastien-talbot

Choose to work at KI - Ten reasons why

Application

We prefer that Your application is written in English, but You can also apply in Swedish. An application must contain the following documents:  PhD certificate, resumé, qualifications and description of planned research, presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet's qualifications portfolio.

Welcome to apply at the latest 2025-09-21.

The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

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