Research specialist in experimental infection immunology

Research Specialist In Experimental Infection Immunology

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We are recruiting a research specialist to join our international research group conducting translational immunological studies to respiratory virus infection disease pathogenesis. This position is focused on the role of antigen-specific leukocytes (T cells and B cells) in the immunopathology of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Respiratory viral infections, such as influenza, are among the most common reasons for medical consultations worldwide and are also a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Sweden. Since early spring 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has also had a profound impact on everyday life around the world. Robust immune responses are essential for fighting infections, but they can also worsen disease outcomes. A more detailed understanding of how immune responses are initiated and regulated during infection is crucial for developing preventive measures and treatments. Our research aims to understand immune cell function and dysfunction in the airways and lungs across different pulmonary diseases.

As a research specialist you will develop and work on new and ongoing projects and experimental and analytical methods in the research group. In addition to generation of experimental data, the work also includes literature review, statistical analysis, data analysis and scientific writing.

The studies primarily use patient samples from blood and tissue, in particular samples from the airways. Handling and processing of patient samples in biosafety level 2 and biosafety level 3 are central in this position, as well as coordination between the clinic and the research laboratory. Patient samples are analysed using flow cytometry, RNA sequencing and an array of immunological and molecular methods. In addition, cells from patient samples are FACS sorted and used for functional in vitro assays including antigen-stimulated co-cultures of helper T cells, B cells and regulatory T cells, intracellular cytokine assays, T cell proliferation, B cell differentiation assays, and assessment of pathogen-specific antibody binding titer and avidity.

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 successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical 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. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.

The position is located within the Department of Medicine, Solna. The department consists of ten divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located within the research group led by Anna Smed-Sörensen, at the Division of Immunology and Respiratory Medicine.