Research assistant in bacteriology

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. MTC has about 40 research groups and our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations

We search for a research assistant that together with Professor Birgitta Henriques Normark, her research group and her collaborators will work on projects in bacteriology and respiratory tract infections to develop vaccines.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies infectious diseases as one of the greatest global health threats. Respiratory tract infections are major causes of morbidity and death globally. Pneumococci are a major contributor to both morbidity and mortality and being the most common causes of milder respiratory tract infections such as otitis media and sinusitis as well as of severe diseases such as pneumonia, septicemia and meningitis. However, pneumococci are also common colonizers of the upper respiratory tract of healthy children. Group A streptococci are major causes of milder respiratory tract infections such as tonsillitis, as well as skin infections, but also to more severe diseases such as septicemia, necrotizing fasciitis, and toxic shock syndrome. There is also a risk for sequelae including rheumatic heart disease. The research group focuses on pathogenesis and host-microbe interactions with a major interest in pneumococcal and streptococcal infections.

Your mission

The position include studies of bacterial pathogenesis and vaccines with a focus on pneumococcal and streptococcal infections and on animal pathogens including for example other streptococci and staphylococci. Identified vaccine candidates will be evaluated using genetic, proteomic, and molecular microbiology technologies as well as using in vitro and in vivo models, and studies of clinical samples. A production line for bacterial membrane vesicles will be set up. The major target is pneumococcal, streptococcal, and staphylococcal infections, but also other microbial infections may be targeted, and there will be interactions with vaccine companies.

Your profile

Requirements for the position:

• The successful candidates have a background in microbiology and immunology and is preferably a MSc graduate.
• Documented experience in relevant research area
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams are essential.
• Social skills, creative thinking, and language skills, especially in English and Swedish.

Meritous

• Laboratory experience in both microbiology, especially on bacterial infections, and immunology
• previous experiences in microbiology and of molecular techniques, and in vitro and in vivo animal model systems.
• The applicant should be methodical and organized in work and have good record keeping skills.

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

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Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 2026-01-11

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. 

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