Research Specialist in circuit biology of pain

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We are now seeking dedicated researchers who want to explore the molecular mechanisms behind pain and contribute to future medical breakthroughs. You will become part of a world-leading research team in circuit biology of pain, led by Professor Patrik Ernfors.

The position is based at the Department of Molecular Neurobiology, within the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics – a dynamic environment where cutting-edge expertise, collaboration, and curiosity are at the core

Description of the subject area

A research position is now open for a highly motivated scientist to work with advanced mouse genetics, circuit tracing, single cell transcriptomics and mouse pain behavior. Responsibilities also encompass designing virus constructs, molecular biology and use of disease models for chronic pain. The candidate is expected in an independent way to pursue functional and molecular studies to resolve cells and mechanisms underlying descending pain modulation with a focus on mechanisms of opioid-induced hyperalgesia. The fellow will be responsible for progress in this line of research

This is you

To qualify, the applicant must have shown scientific skills and hold several years of postdoctoral studies, and a qualification deemed equivalent to a doctorate in the field of medicine, biomedicine, or biology. The applicant must have documented experience in pain research, single cell RNA-sequencing and advanced mouse genetics in systems biology and deemed qualified to conduct the research line for which the position is intended.

Eligibility requirements

For employment as Research Specialist at Karolinska Institutet, the eligibility requirements stated in the Guidelines for non-teaching positions at Karolinska Institutet are applied in relation to the established profile of employment.

To be eligible for employment as a Research Specialist, in addition to holding a Degree of Doctor, PhD, or having a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a Swedish doctoral degree, the applicant must have demonstrated research expertise as well as have documented postdoctoral research experience.

Assessment criteria

The applicants will be reviewed based on demonstrated documented research after the PhD with skills and experience in pain research, advanced mouse genetics for TRAPing active neurons for cell type identification and functional re-activation experiments, single cell RNA-sequencing and computational analyses, knowledge in conducting pain behavior, making use of chronic pain animal models, and knowledge in the field of opioid addiction, analgesia and hyperalgesia, and skills in research documentation and preparing scientific reports. The candidate should have demonstrated independence as a project manager, have good communication skills, the ability to interact effectively, and have demonstrated the ability to work productively in a team. Fluency in English is a requirement. In connection with the appointment, we will accord special weight to academic skills, particularly demonstrated excellence in research.

After an overall assessment of the expertise and merits of the applicants in relation to the subject area, Karolinska Institutet will determine which of them has the best potential to contribute to a positive development of the activities at KI.

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. Here, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.

Location: Solna

Application

We prefer that Your application is written in English, but You can also apply in Swedish. An application must contain the following documents:  PhD certificate, resumé, qualifications and description of planned research, presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet's qualifications portfolio.

Welcome to apply at the latest 2025-10-03

The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.

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