Postdoctoral studies in EV engineering

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The Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of seven divisions that conduct both research and teaching. The department is involved in advanced research, encompassing both basic and applied research. All divisions operate in close collaboration with clinicians at the Karolinska University Hospital. The Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM) focuses on the use of modified biomolecules, cells, and cell products as new therapeutic agents, as well as the identification and study of suitable biomolecular and cellular targets for therapy and diagnostics. The division is also connected to the Karolinska ATMP Center.

Division

Our research efforts in the EL Andaloussi´s lab focus on one of the greatest challenges facing modern therapeutics; the delivery of macromolecules to target cells in vivo. Despite the unprecedented knowledge of diseases and their mechanisms due to advances in biomedical sciences; many promising therapeutic approaches are still clinically unavailable. This is simply because there is no efficient means of delivering these therapeutics to the right organ with the right dose. Our research performance involves developing novel and innovative drug delivery technologies that can carry proteins, RNAs, or gene therapies to the target tissues safely and efficiently.

One of the delivery modalities that we exploit is extracellular vesicles (EVs); natural nanoparticles that are able to convey genetic material from one cell to another. We have developed a range of genetic engineering strategies to modify EVs for the purpose of drug delivery. In this project, we will develop novel engineered EVs that permits improved targeting of specific cell types with focus on various cancer cells. This project is supported by the Swedish cancer foundation

Duties

As a postdoctoral researcher in this project, different genetic engineering strategies to tether targeting antibodies to EVs will be compared to chemical engineering strategies. Ultimately, these engineered EVs will be used for targeted delivery of mRNA therapeutics immune- and cancer cells.

Most of the research will initially be conducted utilizing cell lines. The studies will involve developing stable cell lines for production of EVs engineered to harbor reporter proteins, with or without a therapeutic/targeting domain. The stable cells will be used to produce EVs to compare their uptake efficiency and impact on recipient cells. The uptake will subsequently be compared to EVs that are chemically engineered with targeting domains. Next, targeted EVs loaded with gene editing modalities or mRNA therapeutics will be tested in vitro and in vivo.

Entry requirements

Postdoctoral scholarships may be established for foreign researchers who pursue their merit in Sweden. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent.

A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.

To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. 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) start date of the post doctoral education.

The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

The applicant should have a solid background in cell biology and extensive experience from cell culture work. The scholarship position requires practical lab experience from work with extracellular vesicles. Areas of specific expertise include: nanoparticle characterisation (NTA, DLS,), purification (especially SEC, UF, affinity-based approaches and UC), protein characterisation (mass spectrometry, western blotting), chemical conjugation using click chemistry, microscopy and flow cytometry.

In addition, excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English is important. We are looking for an energetic and passionate person who fits in, and actively contributes to our team. Strong collaborative skills is a requirement.

Location:

Type of scholarship

The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

Application process

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

• A complete curriculum vitae, 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)

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

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