Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The successful candidate will work in the Applied Immunology & Immunotherapy group headed by Prof Robert Harris. The group is a part of the Karolinska Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (KNIMS) center which gathers around 40 researchers working on different aspects of the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other neurodegenerative diseases, including study of genetics, epidemiology, immunology and epigenetics, with excellent clinical cohorts and experimental models. The Applied Immunology & Immunotherapy group is physically located at the Center for Molecular Medicine, a translational medical centre with ~500 researchers working on complex diseases, and with extensive national and international collaborations. The Applied Immunology & Immunotherapy group studies why chronic neurodegenerative diseases occur, and then devise ways to prevent or treat them, applying a range of molecular immunological techniques, experimental models and patient cohorts. Our major focus is on myeloid cell biology, and the specific project relates to using microglial-like cells in an adoptive cell transfer paradigm in several neurodegenerative disease settings.

Your mission

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), chronic Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and glioma multiforme (GBM) brain tumors are all incurable and untreatable disease states characterized by neuroinflammation/neurodegeneration. We focus our research efforts on understanding the role of myeloid cells in these disparate disease processes, and specifically on how myeloid cells can be used to treat them, particularly when brain-resident microglial cells have been depleted.

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with good knowledge of experimental models, both within neuroimmunology generally and within the neurodegenerative field in particular. Experience of a broad range of immunological techniques and of microglial biology will be applied in a project aiming to develop a microglial depletion and repopulation paradigm using donor cells. The work will include experimental design, data processing, quality control, statistical analyses, data interpretation and presentation of findings in the form of scientific publications, grant applications and at meetings and conferences. The individual is expected to work collaboratively on research projects conducted by other PhD students, as well as facilitating collaborations outside of the lab through provision of myeloid cells or knowledge.

The candidate is expected to interact with many collaborators at KI and externally and to contribute to the efficient functioning of the unit. We offer a very stimulating and welcoming working environment in a unit of motivated co-workers with diverse competencies.

Your profile

We are looking for a person with a PhD in immunology with at least 4 years working experience as a postdoc. You should have documented experience with mouse models for neurodegenerative diseases as well as knowledge in basic lab techniques such as PCR, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy. Substantial expertise in immunological assays as well as multicolor flow cytometry is a requirement together with excellent analytical and quantitative skills. You should also have documented research experience of complex data analysis, a high level of demonstrable communication skills and the ability to work independently and take own initiatives, as well as to work collaboratively.

We will look favorably upon if the candidate has experiences in one or more of the following areas:

  • Microglial biology.
  • Neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Microdissection in experimental models.

The candidate should also have good interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently but also as a part of a large team. Good knowledge of spoken and written English and good communication skills are also required. Experience with writing scientific papers is required and experience with writing grant applications would be an advantage. Experience with teaching would be an advantage.

Qualified to be employed as a postdoctor is one who has obtained a doctorate or has equivalent scientific competence. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) date of employment. This must be substantiated by the applicant's main supervisor, director or equivalent.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. 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 a state university, which entitles to several benefits such as extended holiday and generous occupational pension. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Location: Solna

Read more about the Department of Clinical Neuroscience.

Application

An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

  • A complete resumé, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
  • A complete list of publications
  • A summary of current work (no more than one page)

Welcome to apply at the latest 25 February.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

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

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
City Solna
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number 2-744/2020
Contact
  • Robert Harris, professor, robert.harris@ki.se
  • Vendela Breeze, HR Administrator, 08-524 832 82
Union representative
  • Venus Azhary, OFR, 0707-124 127
  • Arsalan Amir, SACO, 08-517 733 37
  • Henry Wölling, SEKO, 08-524 840 80
Published 10.Feb.2020
Last application date 25.Feb.2020 11:59 PM CET

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