Research Assistant to contribute to the development of next-generation innovative cellular therapies for cancer Part-time

Research Assistant to Contribute to the Development of Next-Generation Innovative Cellular Therapies for Cancer

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 Cell Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST) unit at Karolinska University Hospital as well as the Karolinska ATMP Center.

The Carlsten group investigates natural killer (NK) cells, with a particular focus on enhancing their therapeutic efficacy against cancer by modulating homing, persistence, and tumor targeting. The overarching aim is to develop more effective and safer treatment options for cancer patients in need. Research activities encompass both in vitro and in vivo studies, utilizing cell lines, primary tumor samples, genetically engineered immune cells from human donors, and preclinical animal models. Core methodologies include gene engineering (primarily viral transduction but also CRISPR base editing), cloning, PCR and sequencing, flow cytometry, functional in vitro assays (e.g., migration and cytotoxicity assays), and advanced imaging techniques. Preclinical animal models are employed to evaluate therapeutic efficacy, as well as to assess in vivo cell tracking for a better understanding of treatment dynamics and potential safety risks. Several projects are being actively translated toward clinical evaluation, enabled by close integration with the clinical unit CAST, where the Principal Investigator serves as Head of Research and Development.

The group is now looking for a new research assistant to contribute to our mission. The project will be conducted at the Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM), Department of Laboratory Medicine, in the ANA Futura building, Karolinska Institutet Campus Flemingsberg.

Your Mission

We are looking for an ambitious and collaborative team player with a passion for pushing the boundaries of the development of next-generation cell therapies. As a research assistant, you will conduct in vitro work, including cloning, genetic engineering of cells, cell cultures, in vitro read-outs as well as prepare for and contribute to conducting animal experiments. This position will help you gain cutting-edge experience in advancing innovative cellular therapies and get unique insights into the work towards clinical translation.

Your Profile

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in biomedicine and immunology with experience in mechanistic and interventional research related to cellular therapies.

Required qualifications and experience:

• Hold a minimum of a master's degree in biotechnology, biomedicine, or a related field.
• Have hands-on experience in essential laboratory techniques, such as PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, molecular cloning, bacterial transformation, virus production, cell isolation and culturing, viral transduction of primary human immune cells as well as various cellular read-outs such as flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assays.
• Have experience in relevant analytical techniques and programs (e.g., Excel, FlowJo and GraphPad).
• Be proficient in English, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative, with a passion for contributing to therapeutic advancements and tackling scientific challenges as well as the ability to work independently.

Meritorious qualifications and experience:

• Knowledge and experience from working with human NK cells, including isolation, expansion and viral transduction
• Independent ability to prepare human NK cells for infusion in animals (infusion will be assisted by others) as well as harvest and stain cells from organs after tissue collection
• Design an plan animal experiments using xenogeneic mouse models
• Documented skills in efficient teamwork required for successfully conducting large experiments within the group, such as larger animal experiments

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