Research Specialist in mechano-immunology

Research Specialist in Mechano-immunology

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

Applications are invited to apply for a research specialist position in Rong Ma's Group in the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics.

The lab's research focus is to decode the mechanical axis of immune activation in T cell and NK cells and use this knowledge to engineer new therapeutic strategies. We are seeking a highly motivated research specialist with a strong interest in mechano-immunology and immunoengineering. We value an open, friendly and inclusive working environment where researchers exchange ideas and are encouraged to develop scientifically and independently.

The lab will launch Feb. 2027. Dr. Rong Ma is an incoming Assistant Professor at KI MBB. She trained at Emory University and as a Stanford Science Fellow, developed molecular tools to study the piconewton forces immune cells exert and focused on how T and NK cells leverage mechanical force for activation.

Immune cells don't just read the chemistry of what they touch, they also “feel” it. For example, T cells generate piconewton forces when recognizing antigens, and this mechanical force helps them decide whether to get activated. The mechanical information is largely uncharted in immunology and often ignored by today's medicine. Our lab wants to change that. We build molecular tools to measure and control the forces immune cells apply, decode how those forces are turned into decisions like killing a cancer or infected cell, and use what we learn to engineer better diagnostics and next-generation immunotherapies. Apply if you are interested in working at the intersection of molecular and cell biophysics, immunology, protein and cell engineering, and molecular mechanotechnologies!

As a Research Specialist, you will lead a research project within the group's mechano-immunology program. Your responsibilities will include designing and carrying out experiments that combine molecular force tools with protein and antibody engineering in cell lines and primary human T/NK cells; developing and establishing new methods and workflows in the lab; and analysing, interpreting and presenting your results. You will be expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals and to present your work at scientific meetings. As one of the first members of a new group, you will also help build the lab's technical foundation and research culture, contribute to grant applications, and co-supervise and support PhD and MSc students.

For employment as Research Specialist at Karolinska Institutet, the eligibility requirements stated in the Guidelines for non-teaching positions at Karolinska Institutet are applied in relation to the established profile of employment.

– hold a PhD in chemistry, biology, immunology, biophysics, bioengineering or a relevant subject

– have demonstrated scientific skills;

– have documented postdoctoral research experience;

– have demonstrated research expertise in protein engineering, cell biology, biophysics.

To be eligible for employment as a Research Specialist, in addition to holding a Degree of Doctor, PhD, or having a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a Swedish doctoral degree, the applicant must have demonstrated research expertise as well as have documented postdoctoral research experience.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in mechanosensing receptors, protein biochemistry, and antibody engineering, together with a record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals and the ability to drive a research project independently. The candidate should be able to work both independently and collaboratively. Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is essential. Personal suitability, scientific curiosity, initiative and the ability to contribute positively to a collaborative research environment will be given considerable weight.

It is particularly meritorious that the applicant has shown:

• research expertise in mechanosensing receptors; research expertise in antibody and/or protein engineering; research experience in library selection; research experience in single-molecule or single-cell force measurement;
• skills in fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis;
• skills in molecular biology
• first-author publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals;
• the ability to work independently, troubleshoot, and establish new methods;
• strong collaborative, communication and mentoring skills in an international research environment

  It is meritorious that the applicant has shown:

  • experience in structural biology;
  • skills in flow cytometry;
  • experience working with primary human immune cells (T and/or NK cells);
  • experience contributing to a new or growing research environment.

    After an overall assessment of the expertise and merits of the applicants in relation to the subject area, Karolinska Institutet will determine which of them has the best potential to contribute to a positive development of the activities at KI.

    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.

    Location: Biomedicum, Solna

    Application: We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish. An application must contain the following documents: PhD certificate, resumé, qualifications and description of planned research, presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet's qualifications portfolio. The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system. Welcome with your application at latest 16th of October, 2026.