Postdoctoral researcher in Bioinformatics focusing on RNA biology and metabolic disease (scholarship) Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioinformatics Focusing on RNA Biology and Metabolic Disease (Scholarship)

Do you want to contribute to better health for all?

The Department of Laboratory Medicine (Labmed) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research with direct relevance to human health, spanning fundamental biomedical science, biomarker discovery, diagnostic tool development, and advanced treatments such as cell and gene therapy. Labmed integrates patient-oriented clinical questions with technology development and practical implementation across seven divisions, and it also has a major educational mission at Karolinska Institutet.

The research group of Dr. Ping Chen is now recruiting a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in RNA splicing and computational method development. The Chen lab develops data-driven approaches to decipher RNA diversity and its regulatory mechanisms in human metabolic disease. A two-year postdoctoral position is available with a start date as soon as possible (or as agreed).

Division

The Chen lab is based in the Division of Clinical Chemistry, where research integrates contemporary basic science, clinical medicine, and translational approaches to understand the molecular basis of cardiometabolic disease.

Duties

The growing prevalence of obesity is increasing disease burden worldwide, with broad effects on population health and healthcare systems. Your work will contribute to a deeper mechanistic understanding of obesity and related disorders, with a primary focus on RNA splicing and isoform-level regulation. The postdoctoral researcher will:

• Develop and benchmark new bioinformatics tools and analysis pipelines
• Analyze large-scale bulk and single-cell sequencing data using reproducible workflows and interpret the results
• Collaborate closely with experimental and clinical partners to prioritize and validate key findings
• Maintain well-documented, reproducible code (e.g., version control, pipeline documentation) and contribute to supervision of students
• Communicate results through presentations and peer-reviewed manuscripts, and contribute to grant applications

Entry Requirements

To qualify, the applicants must hold a PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics or a closely related field, and have strong knowledge of RNA biology and biomedical sciences. Experience with sequencing data preprocessing, RNA splicing, deep learning and analysis of human multi-omics data is an advantage. The candidate should exhibit a high degree of independence but on the other hand also value a collaborative approach to science and enjoy working in a team. Motivation, the ability to work with people of different disciplines, executive capacity and good communication skills in English are important. A strong publication track record and good manuscript writing skills are desirable.

Type of Scholarship

Scholarships for postdoctoral qualification can be established for foreign researchers who place their qualifications in Sweden. 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). The amount is tax free, and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six-month basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the applicant must have obtained a doctorate, or a foreign degree deemed 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.

The head of the department determines whether the applicant's previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

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: The position is located at KI Campus Flemingsberg, Department of Laboratory Medicine, within the research group of Dr. Ping Chen, Division of Clinical Chemistry.

Application Process

An application must contain the following documents in English:

• Curriculum vitae and qualifications, presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet's qualifications portfolio
• A motivation letter
• A summary of current work and achievements
• A complete list of publications
• PhD degree certificate and transcripts from the course studies

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

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

First day of employment – According to agreement

Salary – Scholarship

Reference number – STÖD 2-1837/2026

Contact – Ping Chen, Principal Researcher, ping.chen@ki.se

Union representative – Tarja Schröder OFR-ST, tarja.schroder@ki.seAnnika Lindkvist SACO, annica.lindkvist@ki.se

Published – 30.Apr.2026

Last application date – 31.May.2026