Research assistant position in Immunology and Cell Therapy

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We are recruiting a motivated research assistant to join the Cell and Gene Therapy Group (CGTG). The group is a part of the Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM) at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge. The Department of Medicine at Huddinge comprises of seven units, three research centers and, around 60 independent research groups. HERM is a research unit within the Department of Medicine Huddinge which brings together basic and clinical research competences to pursue cutting-edge research improving the understanding of mechanisms involved in normal and malignant hematopoiesis.

The research group

The CGTG is a multidisciplinary research group with a particular interest in exploring natural killer (NK) cells in patients with hematological cancers. NK cells are a vital part of the innate immune system, capable of tumor cell killing. The group has internationally recognized leadership in clinical-grade, current good manufacturing practice (cGMP)-compatible manufacturing of cell and gene therapy applications. Furthermore, we have been involved in several clinical trials, including the first Swedish clinical trials assessing the safety of both patient and donor-derived ex vivo expanded NK cells in patients with various malignancies.

Research environment
The research assistant will belong to HERM, a dynamic research center focused on hematology and cancer immunology with labs and platforms situated at both NEO and ANA Futura. The primary labs, located at ANA Futura, provide a variety of resources and equipment needed for executing state-of-the-art research, including access to a flow cytometry facility, molecular biology resources, and equipment, culture systems for a variety of cell lines and primary healthy donor and patient material. In addition, the group is a part of a VINNOVA funded competence center, which is a program focused on next-generation NK cell therapies.

Your mission

We are inviting applications for a six-month Research Assistant position, with the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will support ongoing research projects focused on pluripotent stem cell-derived natural killer (NK) cell biology.

Key responsibilities include:

• Culture and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into NK cells
• Isolation and culture of primary NK cells
• Phenotypic and functional characterization of both iPSC-derived and primary NK cells using techniques such as flow cytometry and live-cell imaging
• Managing and organizing common laboratory reagents and supplies

Additional tasks may include:

• Generation and functional testing of gene-edited cell lines and primary cells
• Performing molecular biology assays (e.g., PCR)
• Production of lentiviral vectors

Key responsibilities

• Organize, plan, perform and analyze differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to NK cells (including functional and phenotypic characterization)
• Organize, prepare, test and optimize common lab reagents, e.g., antibodies and keep up-to-date records
• Assist and work closely with other lab members on experimental work conducted in the laboratory

 Your profile

We are seeking a motivated, responsible and organized candidate with experience in pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation, primary immune cell culture and characterization and multi-color flow cytometry analyses. Completed training in cell biology, immunology or equivalent, as well as previous experience in a research environment and hands-on experience with cell culture are required. Excellent knowledge of the English language is required. The applicant must be able to work flexibly and in a high-paced research environment.

Essential requirements

• Master’s degree in in biotechnology, immunology, cell biology or similar
• Experience in immunology, stem cell or developmental biology
• Excellent proficiency of spoken and written English
• Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented
• Flow cytometry experience (multi-color)
• Extensive cell culture experience (cell lines and primary cells)

Desired requirements

• Experience in differentiation of pluripotent stem cells
• Extensive cell culture experience of primary immune cells

Personal suitability will be a strong selection criterion.

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: Flemingsberg

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 11th of November 2025. 

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. we also need a referens letter from 2 references and any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above.

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