Research Assistant in Spatial Transcriptomics of Human Adipose Tissue

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The Rydén & Mejhert laboratory is a multidisciplinary research group of 15–20 members, including postdoctoral fellows, PhD and master’s students, and technical staff. We are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, encompassing a comprehensive preclinical laboratory at Biomedicum and a dedicated clinical research unit at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge. Using these resources, we focus on understanding how alterations in human white adipocyte function contribute to cardiometabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis.

Your mission

We are recruiting a research assistant to lead a project focused on adipose tissue alterations in prediabetes, based on a well-characterized human cohort. The project builds on adipose tissue biopsies collected within a large population-based study linked to extensive clinical phenotyping and detailed fat cell characterization performed ex vivo.

The aim of the project is to understand how early metabolic disease affects adipose tissue organization, cellular composition, and gene regulatory programs. The successful candidate will apply spatial transcriptomics and single-nucleus RNA sequencing to human adipose tissue biopsies to investigate cytoarchitectural features and cell-type–specific changes associated with prediabetes.

These molecular data will be integrated with deep clinical data and functional adipocyte measurements to define tissue-level alterations that precede the development of type 2 diabetes. The project combines human physiology, tissue biology, and high-dimensional molecular profiling, and will contribute to a better understanding of early disease mechanisms in cardiometabolic disorders.

This position is embedded in a vibrant and interdisciplinary research environment with strong links to clinical studies and translational metabolic research, offering excellent opportunities for scientific development, collaboration, and career advancement. The position is for six months, with the possibility of a six-month extension.

Your profile

The ideal candidate has a strong interest in human adipose tissue biology and metabolic disease, and is motivated to work with clinically anchored human material. The applicant should be comfortable generating and analyzing complex datasets and have experience with advanced molecular or omics-based techniques.

Experience with spatial transcriptomics, single-cell and/or single-nucleus RNA sequencing, or related technologies is highly desirable, though not strictly required. Familiarity with analysis of transcriptomic data, including work in R, Python, or similar environments, will be considered a strong asset. The key requirement is the ability to take ownership of data generation and follow through with rigorous and independent downstream analysis.

The candidate should be able to work independently, manage complex projects, and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to critically evaluate data are essential. Intellectual curiosity and an interest in integrating molecular data with clinical and physiological phenotypes are important for success in this role.

Proficiency in written and spoken English is required for effective communication, manuscript preparation, and collaboration within an international research environment.

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

Read more about the Rydén and Mejhert research group

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 2026-02-11.

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