Research Assistant to The Department of Laboratory Medicine

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

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.

The research group of the EL Andaloussi lab is tackling one of the most critical challenges in modern therapeutics: the efficient delivery of macromolecules to target cells in vivo. Despite major advancements in disease understanding and mechanism exploration, many promising therapeutic approaches remain inaccessible in clinical settings due to a lack of effective delivery systems. To address this, we focus on pioneering novel drug delivery technologies that enable the safe and efficient transport of proteins, RNAs, and gene editors to specific tissues.

Our lab has established expertise in engineering extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes, which are optimized for therapeutic delivery and targeting. In our efforts to push boundaries, we also explore other advanced delivery systems, including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and oligonucleotide conjugates to address distinct therapeutic challenges. Our platform utilizes diverse delivery vectors for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents in relevant cellular and animal models, identifying the most effective approaches for diverse applications.

The Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine is seeking a motivated research assistant to contribute to the development of methods for the delivery and analysis of various delivery modalities, focusing on extracellular vesicles (EVs) and Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs).

Description of the subject area

Our research group focuses on the use of extracellular vesicles and adeno-associated viruses for targeted therapeutic delivery systemically as well locally the central nervous system, aiming to overcome current treatment challenges.

Your mission

We are seeking a research assistant to support the development, optimization, and analysis of methods for delivering biotherapeutics. You will contribute to in vivo experiments, sample preparation, and data analysis.

Your profile

The ideal candidate is a motivated and independent researcher with broad expertise across multiple experimental and analytical techniques. This role requires a strong commitment to the research objectives, versatility, excellent problem-solving skills, and experience with in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches.

The candidate must meet the following requirements:

• Completed, or in the final year of, undergraduate degree in experimental life sciences or a related field (e.g., biomedicine, biotechnology, neuroscience)
• At least one year of experience in an equivalent laboratory role
• Experience with cell culture
• Be certified in a FELASA-accredited Laboratory Animal Science (LAS) Function A course.
• Experienced with laboratory mice, including advanced procedures such as stereotaxic brain injections and terminal blood collection.
• Experienced in AAV and EV production, including cloning and bacterial transformation
• Demonstrated proficiency in immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and multiplex immunofluorescence imaging, particularly in the mouse brain.
• Skilled in molecular biology techniques and sample preparation, including gel electrophoresis, western blotting, flow cytometry, and single-cell sorting.
• Skilled in analytical tools and software, including Fiji/ImageJ, inForm, Image Lab, and RStudio.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental protocols
• Fluent in English.

Optional but strongly preferred:

• Working knowledge of the Leica Bond Rx IHC platform.
• Experienced with laboratory management systems and databases, including KLARA, AniBio, and ELN.

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: Flemingsberg

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 27 January.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system. In this recruitment, you will apply with your CV and personal letter. 

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