Research assistant in “single-cell molecular connectomics”

The research group led by Michael Ratz at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology is looking for a research assistant. The lab is located on KI’s Solna campus in Biomedicum, a new and interdisciplinary research center with advanced laboratories and modern facilities designed to promote research and collaboration. The Ratz lab is using and creating novel molecular tools (e.g., cellular barcoding and single-cellspatial transcriptomics) to understand the development of neural circuits in the mammalian brain in health and disease.

The aim of the project is to contribute to the development and application of a novel approach termed “single-cell molecular connectomics”. The approach will allow high-throughput neural circuit tracing using (in situ) RNA-seq and we want to employ this method to decipher the molecular mechanisms of neural circuit development in the mammalian brain.

You will get the opportunity to work with cutting edge tools including viral barcoding as well as transcriptomics. Your main role will be to establish a protocol that allows precise virus injections into the early (first postnatal month) mouse brain followed by immunohistochemistry of tissue sections as well as single-cell/spatial RNA-seq library preparation. You will work closely with experimental as well as computational scientists inside the lab.

We are recruiting an enthusiastic research assistant to support the use of rabies virus for neural circuit tracing in early mouse brain. 

Experience in working with laboratory mice (e.g., basic handling, behavioral scoring, intracerebral injections) Interest in developing and using advanced molecular tools in neuroscience, mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders as well as single-cell/spatial transcriptomics data analysis approaches Excellent communication and presentation skills Collaborative and curiosity-driven approach to basic scientific research 

• Strong foundation in molecular biology/neuroscience/physiology with a MSc degree in a relevant field.
• Expertise in molecular and cell biology methods (e.g. primer design, PCR, cloning, cell culture)
• Experience in fluorescence imaging (e.g., widefield microscopy, confocal microscopy)
• Expertise in histological methods for tissue processing (e.g., vibratome, cryostat) 
• Interest in developing and using advanced molecular tools in neuroscience, mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders as well as single-cell/spatial transcriptomics data analysis approaches Excellent communication and presentation skills Collaborative and curiosity-driven approach to basic scientific research”.
• Interest in developing and using advanced molecular tools in neuroscience, mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders as well as single-cell/spatial transcriptomics data analysis approaches 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills 
• Collaborative and curiosity-driven approach to basic scientific research 
• Fluent written and spoken English 

•  Experience in barcoded viral tracing methods. 
•  Experience in single-cell and/or spatial transcriptomics. 
•  Experience in computational biology (e.g. in R, Python, MATLAB). 

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

https://www.ratzlab.org/

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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.