Research Assistant in Oligonucleotide Diagnostics and Therapeutics in Tandem Repeat Diseases Full-time

Research Assistant in Oligonucleotide Diagnostics and Therapeutics in Tandem Repeat Diseases

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

The Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of seven divisions that conduct both research and teaching. The department is involved in advanced research, encompassing both basic and applied research. All divisions operate in close collaboration with clinicians at the Karolinska University Hospital. The Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM) focuses on the use of modified biomolecules, cells, and cell products as new therapeutic agents, as well as the identification and study of suitable biomolecular and cellular targets for therapy and diagnostics. The division is also connected to the Karolinska ATMP Center.

The research group of Rula Zain is at the forefront of groundbreaking research on genetic disorders. The scientific aim is to advance our understanding of trinucleotide repeat disorders and develop innovative therapeutic solutions.

We are seeking a highly motivated person with experience in molecular biology, specializing in trinucleotide repeat disorders and therapeutic compound testing. The ideal candidate should have experience in disease models, in particular Huntington's disease, focusing on evaluating lead compounds in preclinical models. The person should have skills in cell culture techniques, data processing, and DNA sequencing, with a hands-on approach to experimental design and troubleshooting. The candidate should demonstrate a high level of precision, critical thinking, and scientific rigor, with a passion for translational research and advancing therapeutic strategies for genetic disorders.

Your mission

The role involves designing and executing molecular biology experiments focused on gene expression, DNA, RNA, and protein analysis, as well as DNA sequencing. The candidate will conduct in vivo studies using animal models to evaluate the efficacy of lead therapeutic compounds, as well as perform in vitro assays and cell culture work to assess compound potency and toxicity. A strong emphasis is placed on analyzing and interpreting complex biological data using appropriate computational tools. Collaboration with other teams will be essential to ensure that experimental findings are effectively translated into actionable scientific insights.

Your profile

The candidate should have a strong interest in molecular biology, specifically tandem-repeat disorders and the pursuit of scientific knowledge:

• Hands-on experience in handling disease models and experimentation.
• Proficiency in cell culture techniques and molecular biology protocols.
• Familiarity with nanopore sequencing and data processing.
• Expertise in trinucleotide repeat disorders is highly desirable.
• Experience in nucleic acid therapeutics including oligonucleotides
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and documentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.

The candidate should:

• Hold a minimum of a degree in biological science, biotechnology or a related field, with ongoing or completed advanced studies in medical science or a comparable field.
• Have hands-on experience in essential laboratory techniques, including PCR, DNA/RNA extraction and purification, DNA fragment length analysis (FLA).
• Have experience developing in vivo delivery methods of therapeutic compounds.
• Have experience with relevant analytical techniques (e.g dPCR, RT-qPCR, ELISA, automated western blotting).
• Have proven skills in data interpretation and visualization.
• Have relevant experience in data generation and analysis of lead compounds designed to target somatic instability in trinucleotide repeat disease models.
• Be proficient in English, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative, with a passion for contributing to therapeutic advancements and tackling scientific challenges.

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: Flemingsberg

Application

Welcome to apply! 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.

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

Type of employment – Permanent position

Contract type – Full time

First day of employment – According to agreement

Salary – Monthly salary

Number of positions – 1

Full-time equivalent – 100%

City – Huddinge

County – Stockholms län

Country – Sweden

Reference number – STÖD 2-2073/2026

Contact – Rula Zain, Associate professor, Group leader, rula.zain@ki.se

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

Published – 26.May.2026

Last application date – 16.Jun.2026