Senior Research Specialist in Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

At the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), we conduct innovative research on nervous system function at all levels, from underlying molecular mechanisms to implications at the societal level, in close integration with education and clinical practice. By joining our interdisciplinary department, you will engage in an international research environment, gaining access to cutting-edge methodologies and strong clinical collaborations. We provide a dynamic and inspiring workplace where your research can make a significant impact on patients and society.

Description of the subject area

In the interdisciplinary research group for Experimental Alcohol- and Drug Dependence Research at the Centre for Psychiatric Research (CPF), you are offered a unique opportunity to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying common neuropsychiatric disorders, such as alcohol use disorder (AUD), and to establish a foundational basis for the development of novel pharmacotherapies for these conditions. Our team applies and further develops cutting-edge technologies that allow us to characterize in living cells the cellular dynamics of molecules, their interactions, and their biological consequences, providing the basis for continued advancement of far-from-equilibrium pharmacology.

Your mission

We are looking for an ambitious and self-motivated colleague interested in further developing quantitative fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, and their application in preclinical research on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of alcohol use disorder. The work involves quantitative, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy with single-molecule sensitivity to characterize molecular processes in living cells, investigate the effects of selected compounds on relevant pharmacological targets, and assess the potential of these compounds for development into novel pharmacotherapies to prevent relapse in substance use disorders.

As a Senior Research Specialist, you will have the opportunity to contribute to innovative science, develop your own research profile, and grow within a supportive work environment. The position involves close collaboration with members of the research group, as well as national and international collaborators. You are expected to actively contribute to a productive and creative research environment, secure external funding, supervise students, and participate in doctoral education.

Eligibility requirements

For employment as Senior Research Specialist at Karolinska Institutet, the eligibility requirements and assessment criteria 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 Senior Research Specialist, in addition to holding a PhD, or having a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a Swedish doctoral degree, the applicant must have demonstrated good level of research expertise with significant scientific output. The applicant must also have demonstrated a good scientific independence to which their own contribution has been significant and a research plan of high quality with clear future potential.

The applicant should have authored 15 original publications, the majority of which must be based on his/her postdoctoral research. Of these, at least two must be as first or last author, of which at least one as last author, conducted after PhD graduation and without any of his/her doctoral supervisors as co-authors.

The applicant must have deep understanding and broad experience in biophysics, biochemistry, and cell and molecular biology, with particular focus on fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy in living cells. Strong knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying substance use disorders, understanding of pharmacology, and familiarity with preclinical models relevant to alcohol dependence research are required.

Assessment criteria

It is particularly meritorious that the applicant has shown

• Original research publications of high quality and potential for future independence.
• Presentations and scientific assignments at international congresses.
• National and international research collaborations.
• Clear and original plan for future research and development of one's own research profile within the subject area.
• Active participation in research education.
• Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written, and basic knowledge of Swedish.
• Good ability to work independently and in a team, as well as good collaboration and communication skills.

It is meritorious that the applicant has shown

• Good knowledge of statistics.
• Efficient data analysis and visualization in MATLAB and Origin.

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

Read more about the research group you will be part of

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.

The applications will be reviewed by external reviewers.

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!