Research specialist in Molecular Neuroscience

Do you want to contribute to better health for all?

The Department of Neuroscience includes several research groups working on different aspects of nervous system function, both under normal conditions and in various disease states. Research projects include a broad range of studies on the molecular and cellular levels, networks of neurons, and the organization of the nervous system as a whole. The Department has a flat organization with 40 research group leaders, of which 24 are full professors, and 65 PhD students. Teaching represents a fundamental activity at the Department, which participates in several undergraduate courses and postgraduate education programs. Each year approximately 15 students receive their PhD from our Department and many of our graduates have gone onto distinguished careers in the academic or private sector.

Description of the subject area

Research in our group centers on studies of growth factor receptor signaling and biology in nervous system and metabolism. Using molecular, cellular and genetic approaches, we investigate different aspects of nervous system development and function and metabolic regulation. Currently, our studies center on three different ligand/receptor systems: p75 neurotrophin receptor and neurotrophin family ligands; GFRa1, Ret and NCAM receptors and GDNF family ligands; and TGF-b superfamily receptors ALK7 and ALK4 and their ligands Activins and GDFs. Using these signaling systems as entry points, our goal is to discover novel, general biological principles of broad importance for nervous system development and metabolic functions.

Your mission

We are seeking a talented, enthusiastic and intellectually independent junior scientist to join our team and contribute to investigations on the functions and mechanisms of growth factor receptor signaling and physiology in the nervous system. The research entails studies of different receptor systems in neuronal and glial function, as well as neurodegeneration, using molecular methods, cell culture models and phenotypic characterization of mutant mice carrying specific mutations in these receptors.

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.

The successful candidate will have a PhD degree in the area of neuroscience awarded during the past 8 years and a productive postdoctoral experience. Strong and documented expertise in molecular, cellular and histological methods of analysis as applied to studies of mouse models in the area of neuroscience is a requirement for consideration. Strong publications in the area. Successful applicants shall be well versed in mouse brain neuroanatomy, physiology, and behavior. Expertise in research on mechanisms and brain circuits underlying reward and addiction will be a requirement. The successful candidate is expected to be sufficiently independent to formulate questions, design experiments and perform research. 

Assessment criteria

• Candidates will be evaluated according to how well they match the requirements on specific expertise in the subject area as well as publication record as outlined above. 

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

Molecular Neuroscience – Carlos Ibáñez group | Karolinska Institutet

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 2026-01-16. 

The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.

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