Postdoctoral studies on Extrahepatic delivery of RNA therapeutics (scholarship)

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research? 

The Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of seven divisions and is active in many areas of Laboratory Medicine. The department is involved in advanced basic scientific, clinical and epidemiological research. The department is one of the largest departments of education at Karolinska Institutet.

Division

The Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of seven divisions that conduct both research and teaching. The department is involved in advanced research, encompassing both basic and applied research. All divisions operate in close collaboration with clinicians at the Karolinska University Hospital. The Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM) focuses on the use of modified biomolecules, cells, and cell products as new therapeutic agents, as well as the identification and study of suitable biomolecular and cellular targets for therapy and diagnostics. The division is also connected to the Karolinska ATMP Center.

Our research efforts in the EL Andaloussi lab focus on one of the greatest challenges facing modern therapeutics; the delivery of macromolecules to target cells in vivo. Despite the unprecedented knowledge of diseases and their mechanisms due to advances in biomedical sciences; many promising therapeutic approaches are still clinically unavailable. This is simply because there is no efficient means of delivering these therapeutics to the right organ with the right dose. Our research performance involves developing novel and innovative drug delivery technologies that can carry proteins, RNAs, or gene editors to the target tissues safely and efficiently.

One of the delivery modalities that we exploit is extracellular vesicles (EVs); natural nanoparticles that are able to convey genetic material from one cell to another. We have developed a range of genetic engineering strategies to modify EVs for the purpose of drug delivery. In addition to EVs, the EL Andaloussi lab also engineers various conjugates for extrahepatic delivery of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. This is achieved either through bioconjugation of small molecular ligands or larger biologics such as nanobodies or antibodies. This project aims to develop novel bioconjugates for organ-targeted delivery of oligonucleotides and to uncover the molecular determinants of tissue and cell tropism.

Duties

As a postdoctoral researcher with scholarship, you will work closely with other team members to design and implement strategies for the targeted delivery of various oligonucleotide cargoes (e.g., ASOs, siRNAs). A central aspect of the role involves evaluating different targeting ligands and conjugation chemistries to develop RNA conjugates capable of reaching specific organs and tissues following in vivo delivery. You will also develop and optimize methods to assess the activity of these conjugates, examining how their physicochemical properties influence systemic distribution and performance. Ultimately, the rational design of conjugates will be correlated with their targeting and delivery efficiency in both in vitro and in vivo models using relevant cell systems and animal studies.

Entry requirements

Postdoctoral scholarships may be established for foreign researchers who pursue their merit in Sweden. A foreign researcher is a person living in another country who comes to Sweden with the intention of only staying in Sweden for all or part of their postdoctoral education at KI. Persons who are resident in Sweden and/or have carried out all or part of their academic education at KI or some other educational institution in Sweden cannot be considered for scholarships. 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. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) start date of the post-doctoral education.

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist with a strong background in oligonucleotide conjugate delivery and in vivo biodistribution studies.

Key areas of expertise:

In vitro characterization

• Develop and implement methods to characterize the physicochemical properties of oligonucleotide conjugates.
• Utilize in vitro screening models to assess potency and delivery efficiency of oligonucleotide conjugates.

Preferred but not required:

• Investigate mechanisms of intracellular uptake and endosomal escape, including development of novel analytical methods.

Laboratory animal science

• Extensive hands-on experience in mouse handling, including administration routes (e.g., IV, IP) and surgical procedures relevant to delivery studies.
• Strong understanding of ethics, approved procedures, and animal welfare; meticulous record-keeping and regulatory compliance.
• Proven track record in evaluating biodistribution of oligonucleotide-based modalities in mouse models.
• Preferred but not required: Experience with toxicity studies and in vivo imaging (e.g., IVIS, bioluminescence, fluorescence).

Molecular and cellular biology expertise:

• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and transient transfections.
• Expertise in quantitative assays to evaluate the outcome of in vitro and in vivo studies related to oligonucleotide delivery, such as gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR) or oligonucleotide detection methods (e.g., dPCR, SplintR).
• Preferred but not required: Experience with flow cytometry for tissue/cell uptake analysis, single-cell sorting, and RNA sequencing.

In addition, excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English is essential. We are looking for an energetic and passionate individual who actively contributes to our team and thrives in a collaborative environment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required, along with the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks. Meticulous attention to detail, excellent documentation practices, and a proactive approach to troubleshooting are highly valued.

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 innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical 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. Students and employees have free access to our modern gym facilities with trained staff on site.

Location: Flemingsberg

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.

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