Research assistant in Alzheimer pathology

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, typically presenting with progressive memory impairment due to hippocampal neurodegeneration. This degeneration is linked to the accumulation of misfolded proteins, in particular amyloid-β and tau. While amyloid-based therapies have recently reached clinical use, their benefits remain modest, partly due to late intervention in the disease course when tau pathology is already established. Tau accumulates intracellularly to form neurofibrillary tangles, driving neuronal dysfunction and loss. Moreover, tau pathology is a hallmark of other neurodegenerative disorders such as frontotemporal dementia and Pick’s disease, highlighting the need for tau-focused research. Understanding the mechanisms underlying tau aggregation and neuronal vulnerability is essential for the development of early diagnostic markers and new therapeutic strategies.

Your mission

We are seeking a highly motivated research assistant to contribute to a project investigating the mechanisms of tau-driven neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease. The successful candidate will take part in experimental studies using mouse models and neuronal cell cultures, with the aim of uncovering cellular and molecular pathways involved in tau pathology. The responsibilities include:

• Performing molecular biology and biochemical techniques (e.g., western blotting, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence).
• Assisting in PK/PD analysis of pharmacological targets of tau.
• Working with genetically modified mouse models, including compound administration, tissue collection and sample preparation.
• Participation in data analysis and collaborative research discussions.

The successful candidate will be offered a temporary contract for 12 months.

Your profile

We are looking for candidates with:

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or pharmacology.
• At least 60 ECTS in Neurobiology awarded at an upper secondary level.
• Practical experience with cell culture and common molecular biology methods.
• Previous laboratory experience in neuroscience or neurodegeneration research.
• Experience with mouse models and animal handling.
• Good organizational and time-management skills, and the ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

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: Solna

Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society

Research group leader Per Nilsson

Choose to work at KI – Ten reasons why

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest Oktober 24th.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.In this recruitment, you will apply with your CV without a personal letter. Instead, you will answer some questions about why you are applying for the job in the application form. 

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.

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