Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Molecular Neurobiology

The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (MBB) is a nationally leading academic research center of high international standard, where science comes first and foremost. MBB has a dynamic and cosmopolitan milieu of researchers originating from all over the world, pursuing active collaborations with fellow researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, as well as with researchers at most leading research centers around the globe. MBB has a long heritage of internationally renowned research including molecular biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology and cancer biology.

The VirusTech core facility
Viruses have emerged as useful tools for efficient delivery of genes to mammalian cells. Delivery of genetic information to cellular systems is the backbone of many experiments, and introduction of recombinant genes into cells is a critically important strategy for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular or organ function, as well as for how these mechanisms go awry in disease. A complementary and equally important strategy is delivery of genetic tools affecting gene expression to over-express, reduce or eliminate a specific RNA or protein.
The core facility currently specializes in the design, cloning, production and concentration of lentiviral, retroviral and adeno associated viruses (AAVs), and aims to develop and optimize the production of other types of viruses such as canine adenovirus, rhabdo viruses and herpes simplex viruses as. Its primary purpose is to produce and distribute high quality viral particles to researchers within Karolinska Institutet but also to external users. The core facility is now looking for a lab technician with interest and experience in molecular biology and BSL-2 level work with different types of virus vectors in general and rhabdo viruses in particular.

Your role as a lab technician:
As you would be directly involved in the production of viruses and mainly working within the BSL-2 lab, your responsibilities would include (but are not limited to): 
  • Production of viruses
  • Cataloging, storage and distribution of the produced viruses
  • Biochemical techniques such as DNA preps and cloning of constructs
  • Taking inventory of the necessary reagents, re-stocking the lab including ordering.
  • Organization of the routine lab work and instruments for daily work
  • Developing and maintaining up-to-date databases of customers and protocols
  • Optimization of existing protocols
  • Inventory and maintenance of cell lines stored in -80 or liquid nitrogen
  • Documentation of experiments and of viruses produced for customers
  • Feedback to the directors and facility manager on virus production

Qualifications and requirements:
Since the facility will handle the production of viruses from different customers from Karolinksa Institutet as well as from other institutions, we are looking for a highly organized, self-motivated person with excellent time management skills who can work effectively in a dynamic and diverse laboratory setting. Experience in biosafety level 2 or higher, work with the production. Knowledge in cloning and handling of infectious particles, especially AAVs, is meriting. You are structured and organized in your approach to work but flexible and receptive to developmental challenges. You also have good social and interpersonal skills, since you will be working in a multicultural environment, and routinely report progress to the Core facility manager and directors.

Specific requirements:

  • A bachelors or higher education in a relevant field with strong lab work background
  • Documented experience with work in biosafety level 2 laboratories or above.
  • Background in virus biology or biochemical techniques
  • Commitment to science and service-oriented with good organizational ability
  • Should possess good written and oral communication skills in English and Swedish.
  • Awareness of the critical aspects of laboratory and chemical safety and the ability to follow procedures and maintain a safe work environment.

Application process
The application is to be submitted in Varbi recruitment system.

At Karolinska Institutet a 6-month trial period is required for all permanent appointments.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment upon agreement
Salary Månadslön
Full-time equivalent 100 %
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number 2-290/2019
Contact
  • Albert Blanchart Aguado,VirusTech Facility Manager, +46 (0) 8 524 873 87
  • Jens Hjerling-Leffler , +46 (0)8-524 869 74
Published 15.Jan.2019
Last application date 15.Feb.2019 11:59 PM CET

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