Bioinformatician 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 bioinformatician that together with Professor Birgitta Henriques Normark, her research group and her collaborators, will work on projects in bacteriology and respiratory tract infections.

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

This position includes bioinformatics using genomic, metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, and/or transcriptomic analyses of high through put sequencing data from sources such as clinical samples, studying microbial and host responses, and studies of bacterial genomics such as pneumococci, streptococci, staphylococci, and klebsiella, and viral genomes. Also, interaction studies using AlphaFold will be performed. There will also be studies of virulence mechanisms and virulence factors, and their interactions with the host and host responses. Different in vitro and in vivo systems will be applied. This is a collaborative project with other bioinformaticians and experimental researchers in the research group.

Your profile

Requirements

• The successful candidate has a background in bioinformatics, microbiology, infection biology, public health surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, data-driven analyses of bacterial and viral infections, and preferably genomic surveillance of bacterial and viral pathogens.
• Previous experience in handling whole genome sequencing data and metagenomics, 
• knowledge of Python, Linux, R, and AlphaFold2
• M.Sc. in Bioinformatics 
• social skills and easygoing in the group is an advantage since this position will require strong interactions with the researchers in the group.
• Documented experience in relevant research areas as written above will be prioritized.
• Social skills, creative thinking, and language skills, especially in English, are an advantage.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams are essential.

Meritous

• Strong quantitative, analytical, and presentation skills are needed
• The applicant should be methodical and organized in work and have good record keeping skills.
• Experience with international collaborations, project management, and supervision of students is also important. 

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 2025-12-29

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