Research assistant in Mucosal biochemistry

Mucus is a dynamic biological interface that regulates microbial interactions molecular exchange and immune activation and plays a central role in tissue homeostasis. Yet the mechanisms governing its structure and function remain poorly understood limiting our understanding of disease and its potential as a therapeutic target.

The workgroup that you will be a part of focuses on uncovering the principles that govern mucus-mediated protection by integrating epithelial cell identity post-translational modifications and physiology with the goal of enabling new therapeutic strategies to combat mucus associated disease.

The group operates at the division of Immunology and Respiratory medicine within a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. The lab has close interactions across immunology bioinformatics structural biology biochemistry and clinical research both locally and internationally.

As a research assistant you will contribute to a project investigating how goblet cells and alterations in intestinal mucus affect barrier function in ulcerative colitis. The work includes experimental analyses of human and murine samples including sample handling cell and molecular biology methods advanced microscopy and analysis of mucus function. You will work closely with other members of the research group and contribute to the execution documentation and analysis of experimental studies.

Required qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in biomedicine molecular biology cell biology biochemistry or a closely related field.
• Experience in experimental laboratory work within cell and molecular biology.
• Experience working in a structured manner with biological samples and experimental documentation.
• Good spoken and written English.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.

Meritorious qualifications

• Experience in tissue handling and/or working with human or murine samples.
• Experience with immunofluorescence confocal microscopy or other imaging techniques.
• Experience with methods such as RT-qPCR Western blotting FACS or related cell and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with histological analyses or analysis of intestinal tissue.
• Experience with image analysis data analysis or basic bioinformatics.
• Previous research experience in gastrointestinal biology epithelial biology inflammation or mucus biology is considered an advantage.

Personal qualities

We are looking for a person who is meticulous responsible and well organized with a strong interest in experimental research. You are curious solution-oriented and comfortable working in a research environment where collaboration and flexibility are important parts of the daily work. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

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.

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.

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.