Research Assistant Part-time

Research Assistant

Do you want to contribute to improving health for everyone?

The Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of seven divisions engaged in both research and teaching. We conduct advanced, basic, clinical, and epidemiological research in close collaboration with the clinics at Karolinska University Hospital. Our mission is to transfer and refine medical knowledge for healthcare through collaboration between academia, healthcare, and industry. The department also contributes to numerous programs and courses within KI's educational offerings.

Volkan Özenci's Research Group

Our group focuses on developing and evaluating diagnostic methods in clinical microbiology. We have previously developed a rapid diagnostic method for identifying microorganisms directly from blood culture bottles, now used in approximately 40% of university laboratories across Europe. We also lead and participate in major clinical studies in this field.

We are currently seeking one Research Assistant. The position includes the development, validation, and verification of diagnostic methods using ex vivo and in vitro studies, as well as developing diagnostic assays in clinical mycology/bacteriology and managing clinical isolate collections.

Your Role

In this position, you will contribute to research on the microbiological diagnosis of severe fungal infections (e.g., candidemia) and bacterial infections. Your work will include specimen collection, clinical method validation—particularly for direct identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of pathogenic fungi and bacteria—method development, quality assurance, and data processing and analysis. You will also contribute to the organization and delivery of teaching activities and courses, including providing practical support in educational settings.

The position is full-time and offered as a special fixed-term appointment of approximately six months, with the possibility of extension up to twelve months. Additional administrative tasks may be required, such as inventory handling, sample registration, planning meetings and laboratory labeling.

Who You Are

You hold a degree in biomedical laboratory science, laboratory engineering, engineering, or a related field. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is considered as an advantage.

You have experience in graduate-level research, particularly in microbial cultivation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Previous experience working in a clinical laboratory is highly desirable.

You are proficient in both spoken and written Swedish and English. We place great importance on personal qualities such as professionalism, initiative, and strong interpersonal skills. As the role involves daily collaboration with colleagues from multiple disciplines, you should have excellent communication abilities and a positive, service-oriented approach.

What do we offer?

You will join a creative, international, and inspiring environment filled with expertise and curiosity. A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's 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: Flemingsberg