Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Medical Inflammation Research

A postdoc position in a project to develop a new diagnostic assay for rheumatoid arthritis is now open. The project is partly sponsored by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) for the network JointID “Biomarkers predicting joint inflammation”. It is placed at the Section for Medical Inflammation Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, at the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.

Job description
Section for Medical Inflammation Research is searching for a postdoc scholar to work in a project partly supported by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) in Sweden and led by Prof. Rikard Holmdahl. The task is to work within the JointID network for transferring and analyzing samples and clinical data of large human cohorts in collaboration with the participating clinicians. The tasks include developing the test to meet the regulatory requirements of commercialization and to conduct scientific research to develop multiplex assays for detection of antibodies to defined protein epitopes and to analyze these in depth in both experimental animal models and human samples

The project
The JointID project aims at developing a diagnostic test for rheumatoid arthritis and other joint inflammatory diseases. The test is based on unique antigenic epitopes derived from various joint proteins. The epitopes have been formulated as conformational peptides but needs to be further improved regarding their functional and diagnostic role. As these peptides and epitopes are similar in mice and humans, there are possibilities to make in depth functional analysis in the mouse as well as to test human sera for assay development.
The assay development will be based on a multiplex platform, and the peptides will be analyzed in detail regarding their physical properties e.g. utilizing solid-phase assays like ELISA to compare with the multiplex technology. The goal is to develop a sensitive and specific diagnostic test and to publish the results in leading international journals.

Entry requirements
To qualify, the applicant must hold a PhD in medicine or biological science and have experience in practical laboratory work. Experience in conducting animal experiments and a capacity to work with large human cohorts and handling human material, are needed. Knowledge in bioinformatics and statistical methods is needed. Knowledge and skill in communicating in spoken and written English is a must.
Scholarships for postdoctoral qualification can be established for foreign researchers who place their qualifications 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. The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

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.

First day of employment As soon as possible
Salary Monthly salary
Reference number 2-4610/2019
Contact
  • Professor Rikard Holmdahl, +46852484607
Published 12.Sep.2019
Last application date 26.Nov.2019 11:59 PM CET

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