Research Assistant in neurodegeneration Full-time

Research Assistant in Neurodegeneration

Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, typically presenting with progressive memory impairment due to hippocampal neurodegeneration. This degeneration is linked to the accumulation of misfolded proteins, in particular amyloid-β and tau. While amyloid-based therapies have recently reached clinical use, their benefits remain modest, partly due to late intervention in the disease course when tau pathology is already established. Tau accumulates intracellularly to form neurofibrillary tangles, driving neuronal dysfunction and loss. Moreover, tau pathology is a hallmark of other neurodegenerative disorders such as frontotemporal dementia and Pick's disease, highlighting the need for tau-focused research. Understanding the mechanisms underlying tau aggregation and neuronal vulnerability is essential for the development of early diagnostic markers and new therapeutic strategies.

Your Mission

We are seeking a highly motivated research assistant to contribute to a project investigating the mechanisms of tau-driven neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. The successful candidate will take part in experimental studies using mouse models and neuronal cell cultures, with the aim of uncovering cellular and molecular pathways involved in tau pathology. The responsibilities include:

• Performing molecular biology and biochemical techniques (e.g. western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, sarkosyl fractionation).
• Working with genetically modified mouse models, including mouse handling, compound administration (including gavage and intraperitoneal injections), dissection, tissue collection and sample preparation.
• Participation in data analysis and collaborative research discussions.
• Study reporting and documentation

The successful candidate will be offered a fixed-term appointment for three (3) months. Subject to confirmed funding, there are good prospects for extension, with the aim of extending the appointment up to a total of twelve (12) months.

Your Profile

The candidate we are looking for needs to have:

• A bachelor's degree in biomedicine (or equivalent).
• A master's degree in neurobiology or pharmacology (or equivalent).
• Experience with mouse models and animal handling.
• Good organizational and time-management skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

It is considered a strong merit if the candidate has:

• Extensive practical experience with common molecular biology methods such as western blotting and immunohistochemistry.
• Previous laboratory experience in neurodegeneration research.
• An active FELASA certification.
• Experience in study reporting and documentation

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. 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

Application

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 system. In 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.

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

The Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) conducts world leading research in aging, dementia, epidemiology and care sciences. This research extends from basic molecular and cell levels to clinical research and societal studies. NVS educates almost a third of KI students at basic and advanced levels. The Department has approximately 540 employees and a revenue 2025 of 580 million SEK. It comprises seven divisions, located at Campus Flemingsberg and Campus Solna.

The Division of Neurogeriatrics consists of about 65 employees. The division conducts experimental and translational research related primarily to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, but also more general molecular mechanisms with biomedical relevance are studied. The division is mainly located in BioClinicum, KI Campus Solna, and partially in Neo, KI Campus Flemingsberg.