Research Assistant position in human immunology

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We are recruiting a research assistant to provide support to the Bryceson group. The group research focus is on gaining molecular understanding of cytotoxic lymphocyte differentiation and effector function. Recent studies from our group on this subject encompass Zitti, et al., Immunity 2023; Campbell, et al., J Exp Med 2022; Holmes et al., Science Immunology 2021; Kalinichenko et al., Blood 2021; Tesi et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; Schlums et al., Blood 2017; Tesi et al., Blood 2017; Schlums et al., Immunity 2015. We are exploring cytotoxic lymphocyte biology along two lines; to understand susceptibility to life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndromes caused by inherited genetic variants that impair lymphocyte differentiation or function, and to utilize molecular insights to devise more effective cellular immunotherapies towards solid tumors. This is studied in samples from healthy human volunteers as well as patients with suspected defects in immunity, utilizing diverse technologies such as advanced flow cytometry, high-throughput RNA sequencing including single cell analysis, molecular biology, genetic manipulation of cells, and various cell assays.

The position will be for 12 months and be placed at HERM. The research group and the department offer an engaging and international research environment where a research assistant will have the opportunity to contribute to high-quality research and capacity building at the international top level.

Your mission

Cytotoxic lymphocytes play a key role in immunosurveillance of infected and malignant cells. Deficiencies in lymphocyte cytotoxicity are often caused by defects in the machinery for lymphocyte exocytosis, but many disease-associated variants are of unknown significance. Furthermore, how deficiencies in several genes associated with hyperinflammation and susceptibility to severe viral infections cause disease remains enigmatic.

As a research assistant you will work in a multidisciplinary team and provide support in characterizing the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying primary immunodeficiencies and explore novel paths to enhancing cytotoxic lymphocyte function in the context of adoptive cellular therapies of cancer. You will employ a combination of flow cytometry (to quantify responses or sort specific cell subsets), advanced cell and molecular biology techniques, high throughput characterization approaches, general data analysis and bioinformatics.

Your profile

Applicants should have at least a bachelor’s degree in medicine, molecular biology or immunology. Candidates with a combined background covering medicine, biology, math and programming are highly encouraged to apply. Bioinformatic experience using R will be looked upon favorably. Similarly, previous experience with flow cytometry, molecular biology, culture and manipulation of immune cells, as well as single cell RNA sequencing will be looked upon positively. Applicant should be fluent in English (written and spoken). Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

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 2023-12-14.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.In this recruitment, you will apply with your CV without a personal letter. Instead, you will answer some questions about why you are applying for the job in the application form.

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