Postdoctoral scholar in LNP engineering

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research? 

Division

The Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of seven divisions that conduct both research and teaching. The department is involved in advanced research, encompassing both basic and applied research. All divisions operate in close collaboration with clinicians at the Karolinska University Hospital. The Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM) focuses on the use of modified biomolecules, cells, and cell products as new therapeutic agents, as well as the identification and study of suitable biomolecular and cellular targets for therapy and diagnostics. The division is also connected to the Karolinska ATMP Center.

Our research efforts in the EL Andaloussi´s lab focus on one of the greatest challenges facing modern therapeutics; the delivery of macromolecules to target cells in vivo. Despite the unprecedented knowledge of diseases and their mechanisms due to advances in biomedical sciences; many promising therapeutic approaches are still clinically unavailable. This is simply because there is no efficient means of delivering these therapeutics to the right organ with the right dose. Our research performance involves developing novel and innovative drug delivery technologies that can carry proteins, RNAs, or gene editors to the target tissues safely and efficiently.

One of the delivery modalities that we exploit is extracellular vesicles (EVs); natural nanoparticles that are able to convey genetic material from one cell to another. We have developed a range of genetic engineering strategies to modify EVs for the purpose of drug delivery. In addition to EVs, the Andaloussi lab also engineer LNPs for extrahepatic delivery of RNA therapeutics. This is achieved either by altering lipid compositions or by tethering targeting motifs chemically to the LNPs. This project aims to develop organ-targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) by engineering corona–receptor interactions and applying spatial omics to reveal molecular determinants of tissue and cell tropism.

Duties

As a postdoctoral research scholar, you will work on design, formulation and characterization of different LNP formulations for targeted delivery of a variety of oligonucleotide cargoes (e.g. mRNA, pDNA). A key aspect of the work is to evaluate different targeting ligands and conjugation chemistries for LNP targeting to specific organs/tissues upon systemic delivery in vivo.

The work will exploit common methods used in LNP manufacturing, such as microfluidic mixing, dialysis and spin-filtering, as well as evaluation of the LNP critical quality attributes by e.g. dynamic light scattering and cargo loading assays. Moreover, the work will involve development and optimization of synthesis and purification (e.g. MS, HPLC) of the targeting ligands (peptides, nanobodies etc.), and conjugation and quantification strategies for these ligands on the LNP surface. A key aspect of the work is to develop methods to evaluate the protein corona composition as a function of LNP composition and exposure to biological fluids. The in-depth LNP particle characterization data will be correlated with the targeting and delivery performance in vitro and in vivo using relevant cell and animal models.

Entry requirements

Postdoctoral scholarships may be established for foreign researchers who pursue their merit in Sweden. A foreign researcher is a person living in another country who comes to Sweden with the intention of only staying in Sweden for all or part of their postdoctoral education at KI. Persons who are resident in Sweden and/or have carried out all or part of their academic education at KI or some other educational institution in Sweden cannot be considered for scholarships. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent.

A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four-year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.

To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate, or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) start date of the post-doctoral education.

We seek a highly motivated scientist with a strong background in LNP formulation, peptide-functionalized delivery systems, and in vivo biodistribution.

Key Areas of Expertise:

LNP engineering & characterization

• Hands-on experience preparing and optimizing LNPs for nucleic acid delivery (e.g., mRNA, DNA), including formulation, scale-up, and quality control.
• Proficiency in surface peptide functionalization to enhance organ targeting.
• Strong skills in physicochemical characterization: NMR, DLS, zeta potential, TEM, and assay development for encapsulation efficiency and release.

Laboratory animal science

• Demonstrated track record evaluating organ tropism and in vivo transfection of peptide-modified LNPs in mouse models.
• Expertise in in vivo imaging (e.g., IVIS/bioluminescence/fluorescence), flow cytometry for tissue/cell uptake analysis, and quantitative readouts of biodistribution and expression.
• Substantial hands-on experience with mouse handling, dosing routes (e.g., IV, IP), and surgical procedures relevant to delivery studies.
• Strong understanding of ethics, approved procedures, and animal welfare; meticulous record-keeping and compliance.

Protein corona analysis

• Experience isolating and characterizing LNP protein corona from extrahepatic organs; proteomics (LC-MS/MS)–based analysis and data interpretation.
• Ability to functionally validate corona components in vitro and in vivo (gain/loss studies).
• Familiarity with computational peptide design leveraging protein design tools or protein language models to create receptor-engaging ligands.

Molecular and cellular biology expertise:

• Practical expertise in gene editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9), Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and transient transfections.

In addition, excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English is important. We are looking for an energetic and passionate person who fits in, and actively contributes to our team. Strong collaborative skills is a requirement.

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 innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical 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. Students and employees have free access to our modern gym facilities with trained staff on site.

Location: Flemingsberg

Type of scholarship

The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

Application process

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

• A complete curriculum vitae, 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 on the Varbi recruitment system.

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