Research specialist in microbiota research related to virological infections - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to better health for all?

Within our research group you will find a unique opportunity to work closely together with cutting edge researchers in the intersection between infectious diseases, treatment, vaccine and microbial infections with special focus on viral infections. We offer an engaging and international research environment where you may contribute to high quality research on an internationally competitive level.

Description of the subject area

Our research group has a strong focus on pathogenesis, treatment, and cure of HIV infection. More recently research is also performed on SARS-CoV-2. Of special interest is our interest in the microbiota and its interaction on the pathogenesis of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 infections including the impact on treatment, development of antimicrobial resistance and the efficacy of vaccination. The experimental research of the present position is focused on the interaction between microbiota (oral, gut), HIV or SARS-CoV-2 and the relevance for the mechanisms influencing the course of these infections including changes of the microbiome as well as the proteome/metabolome in patients on treatment.

Your mission

The successful applicant will divide their tasks between the experimental research groups of professor Anders Sönnerborg and associate professor Piotr Nowak. These two groups collaborate closely within same areas of research interest and share lab-space. The main working tasks will be on microbial aspects on the control and regulation of HIV latency/replication. This includes mechanisms and pathways of the gut-blood-barrier damage and its consequences. The applicant will perform own research within the framework of prof Sönnerborgs and associate prof Nowaks HIV projects and also give intellectual and administrative support to other members of their research groups.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for employment as a Research Specialist, in addition to holding a Degree of Doctor, PhD, or having equivalent scientific expertise, the applicant must have demonstrated research expertise as well as have documented research experience after defending their doctoral dissertation.

Assessment criteria

It is particularly meritorious that the applicant has shown

• Profound knowledge in biology with a focus on microbiology, especially bacteriology, microbiota and the relationship to the pathogenesis of viral diseases.
• Advanced knowledge in antimicrobial resistance and the impact of antimicrobial treatment on the gut microbiota.
• Knowledge in modern biotechnological techniques to be used for the description of the microbiota
• Experience of studies of bacterial pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance
• Experience in setting up bacterial and virological assays to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy, and host responses
• Skills in the following techniques: i) cell culture systems; both cell lines, primary cells and co-cultures, immune cell isolation from peripheral blood, cellular functionality assays, transfections; ii) antibacterial assays; iii) other techniques; 16S rRNA gut microbiome analysis; Zebrafish infection model; DNA/RNA isolation from tissues or cells, ELISA, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assays, PCR, protein purifications and crystallization, quantitative PCR, SDS PAGE, western blotting; iv) testing in animal models
• Excellent knowledge in English, written and spoken, is a requirement.
• The person should be well organized, service-oriented and flexible.
• A positive and collaborative attitude is a pre-requisite for working in the Sönnerborg and Nowak groups and a great emphasize is put on the collaborative attitude of the applicant. Thus, of importance is that the candidate is well acquainted with collaborative work in a dynamic environment which includes strong social skills.

It is meritorious that the applicant has shown

• Knowledge of the impact of gut microbiota on effects of vaccines
• Knowledge in various cellular and molecular techniques that allow genetic modification of cells ranging from cloning to transduction experiments.
• Published articles as first and/or last author in international peer-reviewed journals
• Experience of oral and/or poster presentation at international english-speaking conferences
• Experience of teaching students
• Capability to receive grants in competition
• Experience of collaboration with clinical researchers

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: Flemingsberg

Choose to work at KI - Ten reasons why

Application

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

Welcome to apply at the latest 2022-12-07

The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

We apply a 6-month trial period for all permanent employments.

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