Research Assistant, Department of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine

Do you want to contribute to improving people's health? The Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of seven divisions conducting both research and education. The department is committed to advanced research encompassing both basic research and applied research. All divisions work in close collaboration with clinics at Karolinska University Hospital. The Department of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM) focuses on the use of modified biomolecules, cells, and cell products as novel therapeutic tools, as well as identifying and studying relevant biomolecular and cellular targets for therapy and diagnostics. The department is also connected to the unit for cell therapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (CAST) at Karolinska University Hospital and the Karolinska ATMP Center. The Carlsten group studies natural killer cells (NK cells), with a particular focus on enhancing their therapeutic effect against cancer by modulating their homing, persistence, and tumor targeting. The overall goal is to develop more effective and safer treatment options for cancer patients. The research encompasses both in vitro and in vivo studies and includes the use of cell lines, primary tumor samples, genetically modified immune cells from human donors, and preclinical animal models. Key methods include genetic modification (primarily viral transduction but also CRISPR-based base editing), cloning, PCR and sequencing, flow cytometry, functional in vitro assays (e.g., migration and cytotoxicity assays), and advanced imaging techniques. Preclinical animal models are used to evaluate treatment efficacy and to study cell behavior in vivo, contributing to a better understanding of treatment dynamics and potential safety risks. Several projects are in active translation toward clinical evaluation, enabled by close integration with the clinical unit CAST, where the research leader serves as head of research and development. The group is now seeking a research assistant who wants to contribute to our activities. The project will be conducted at the Department of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM), Department of Laboratory Medicine, in the ANA Futura building on Karolinska Institute's campus in Flemingsberg. Your Role We seek an ambitious and collaborative person with strong drive to contribute to the development of next-generation cell therapies. As a research assistant, you will work with laboratory-based studies, including cloning, genetic modification of cells, cell culture, various in vitro assays, and prepare for and participate in animal experiments. The position offers the opportunity to gain advanced experience in developing innovative cell therapies and unique insights into translating research into clinical application. Who Are You? We seek someone with a strong background in biomedicine and immunology, preferably with experience in mechanistic and interventional research related to cell therapies. Requirements: Master's degree or higher in biotechnology, biomedicine, or related field Practical experience with core laboratory techniques, such as PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, molecular cloning, bacterial transformation, virus production, isolation and culture of cells, viral transduction of primary human immune cells, cellular assays such as flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assays Experience with relevant analysis tools and programs (e.g., Excel, FlowJo, and GraphPad) Strong English skills and independent, structured, and thorough work approach. Additionally, good collaboration skills and strong interest in research challenges and development of new therapies are required Merits: Experience working with human NK cells, including isolation, expansion, and viral transduction Ability to independently prepare NK cells for infusion into animals (the infusion itself is performed with support from others) and to isolate and stain cells from organs after tissue collection Experience planning and designing animal experiments with xenogeneic mouse models Documented ability to work effectively in a team, particularly when conducting larger experiments within the group, such as extensive animal studies What We Offer A creative, international, and inspiring environment filled with competence and curiosity. Karolinska Institute is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to drive the development of knowledge about life and work for better health for all. Here we conduct successful medical research and have the largest range of medical education programs in Sweden. As a university, Karolinska Institute is a state authority, which means you receive good benefits through our collective agreement. Employees at KI are also offered the opportunity for flexible working arrangements. This means that if your work activities allow, you can work part of your time remotely. You also have free access to our modern fitness facilities with trained staff on site. Location: Flemingsberg Ten Reasons to Choose Karolinska Institute Application KI applies individual and differentiated salary setting according to our collective agreements RALS and RALS-T. Applications should be submitted via the recruitment system Varbi. In this recruitment, you apply with your CV without a cover letter. In the application form, you will instead answer a few questions about why you are applying for the position. Do you want to make a difference – and contribute to better health for all? Apply for a job with us

Ask AI

Common questions about this listing — opens your AI with a ready-made prompt including the listing link.

• Is the salary in this job offer competitive for the role and location?
  Open in
• What questions should I ask at the interview for this position?
  Open in
• Which skills should I highlight in my application for this job?
  Open in