Research Assistant in Epigenetics of smoking in Multiple Sclerosis

Join the dynamic and cooperative group of Prof. Maja Jagodic under the supervision of the Team Leader Dr. Lara Kular at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience. This offers the opportunity to contribute to interactive research driven by pertinent clinical questions combining deep molecular understanding of the mechanisms underlying Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with some of the most competitive clinical materials worldwide. You will benefit from a highly collaborative engaged and international research environment committed to exploring innovative translational ideas in precision medicine where you will have the possibility to conduct research at the top international level in the field.

We are looking for a 50% research assistant for a 6-month position with possibility of extension. The successful candidate will join our research team and collaborate with PhD students postdocs and senior researchers to decipher multiple sclerosis pathogenesis with a focus on the mechanisms underlying the impact of smoking on neuroinflammation in MS. The work entails both an experimental side including next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation of clinical and experimental samples functional experiments based on CRISPR/dCas9-epigenome editing in vitro and bioinformatic work to address transcriptomic changes under the guidance of our senior bioinformatician.

Absolute requirements:

• Masters degree in a relevant field.
• Scientific and/or research background on human diseases and mechanisms involved in autoimmunity and nervous processes.
• Knowledge of mechanisms of gene regulation and epigenetics.
• Technical skills in basic molecular (cloning DNA/RNA extraction qPCR) and cellular (cell culture transfection) work.
• Documented practical experience with NGS-based library preparation preferably in the field of both DNA methylation and gene expression.
• Documented programming skills (preferably in R) in NGS-derived analyses preferably in both bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing.
• Good command of spoken and written English.

Meritorious requirements:

• Knowledge of multiple sclerosis disease
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of the molecular impact of exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke (e.g. human omics in vitro exposure
• Practical experience with CRISPR-based methylation editing
• Co-authorship of scientific publications or manuscripts is a plus

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the worlds 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: Solna

Read more about Department of Clinical Neuroscience
Read more about the research group you will be part of

KI applies individual and differentiated salary setting in accordance with our collective agreements RALS and RALS-T.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment 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.