Research Assistant in T cell biology / Human Immunology

The Sekine group is seeking a motivated research assistant to provide laboratory and technical support.  Our research focuses on characterizing the mechanisms of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and their impact on human tissue immuno-surveillance.  CD8+ T cell mediated immunity is known to be critical for the control of virus infections and malignancies.  Establishment of such potent immune response is dependent on several context specific factors, including disease severity, type of threat (blood vs solid tumors, acute vs chronic virus) which determines CD8+ T cell differentiation and ultimately their functional profile.  Previous work from our group highlights the heterogeneity of these T cell properties in blood (Sekine et al., Sci Immunol, 2020; Sekine et al., Cell, 2020).  Furthermore, CD8+ T cells found in tissues possess very different characteristics compared to blood (Niessl et al., Sci Immunol, 2021).  Our aim is to explore 1) How/where/when do these tissue-resident cytotoxic lymphocytes develop in humans? And 2) How do they contribute to local/tissue immune-surveillance in the context of human heath and disease.  

The position will be for 12 months and be placed at the Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM) located within the Karolinska Institutet’s newly established ANA Futura research facilities.  CIM is a research division within the Department of Medicine, Huddinge with a focus on translational studies of the human immune system and infection immunity in humans.  The division offers an vibrant, international research environment where the research assistant will have the opportunity to contribute to science that aspires new discoveries and breakthroughs to provide new perspectives in understanding health and disease. 

As a research assistant you will provide support in investigating the unique properties of tissue-residing immune cells, namely CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and related cytotoxic lymphocytes.  You will employ a combination of multiparametric flow cytometry, cellular and molecular biology techniques to immunophenotype and interrogate CD8+ T cells and other cytotoxic lymphocytes isolated from human blood and tissue material. The successful candidate will be expected to effectively prioritise, multi-task and work independently after appropriate training whilst upholding high ethical and scientific standards. 

Applicants should have:

• A master’s degree or minimum bachelor’s degree in life science, medicine, immunology or related field.
• Previous experience with mammalian in vitro cell culture models, primary or cell lines, would be desirable.  
• Demonstration of a range of cellular/molecular biology skills, including DNA/RNA purification, western blotting, advanced imaging, flow cytometry,  CRISPR gene-editing would be advantageous.  
• Applicants familiar with tissue processing, spheroid/organoid or similar 3D culture models are highly encouraged to apply.
• Applicants with a combined discipline demonstrating wet lab and programming proficiency (R,Python) would be ideal but not necessary.  
• Knowledge in T cells or human immunology will be favorable.

Applicant should be fluent in English (both written and spoken). Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. A supportive training environment will be provided by team leader Takuya Sekine to extend and complement your skills where necessary. 

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

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Center for Infectious Medicine

Read more about the Department of Medicine, Huddinge (MedH)

Welcome to apply at the latest 2024-01-31

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. 

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.