Research assistant in Cell and Molecular Biology

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We are looking for a Research assistant to join the Developmental and Translational Neurobiology research group, headed by Cristiana Cruceanu. The group studies molecular mechanisms of environmental exposures shaping early human brain development, in order to understand the long-term outcomes of these exposures on mental health. The Cruceanu lab is part of the department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Karolinska Institute, where we collaborate with like-minded research groups. We are located in the Biomedicum building, a new interdisciplinary research center designed to concentrate much of the experimental research conducted at Karolinska Institutet Campus Solna.

The research group project

The exposures at the forefront of our interest are stress hormones, psychotropic medications and inflammatory agents, given their interconnected mechanisms of action and relevance in neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Our work aims to improve our understanding of prenatal exposures and inform treatment decisions for stress-related disorders among pregnant women with evidence about the likely outcomes in their developing children. We study these human-specific exposures in complex 3-dimensional model systems of the developing human brain (cerebral organoids) that we derive from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We investigate cell- and tissue-specific responses using state-of-art as well as basic molecular and cellular biology technologies such as: bulk and single-cell transcriptomics, single-cell epigenomics (ATACseq), fluorescence-activated cell sorting, immunofluorescence confocal imaging, qPCR, etc.

Your mission

The ideal candidate will be proficient in culturing and handling iPSC culture systems or similar. Additionally, the candidate must be able to independently perform basic molecular biology techniques such as immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR and western blot. The candidate will also be expected to perform some organizational tasks to support the lab’s operation, such as ordering and coordinating shared resources.

Your profile

We seek an enthusiastic and talented person with suitable cell and molecular biology education, with interest and experience in in-vitro culture systems, especially iPSC-derived model systems. Experience with cerebral organoids or other neuronal model systems is a plus, as is a background in neurodevelopment or neuroscience.

Fluent written and spoken English is required, and knowledge of Swedish would be plus. Above all, we will evaluate highly the ability of the candidate to work independently while also being a team player who can collaborate and contribute positively to various ongoing projects. We are strongly committed to equity, diversity and inclusiveness, and encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

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: Solna

https://ki.se/en/fyfa/developmental-and-translational-neurobiology

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 2023-01-15.

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

Please submit your application in English, and include the following documents:

- A complete CV, including publication list
- A letter of motivation, with direct relevance to the advertised position
- List at least two individuals who can provide a reference.

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