Postdoctoral position with a focus on epigenomics and neuroinflammation (scholarship)

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research? 

Come and join the research group led by Professor Goncalo Castelo-Branco, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. In the Castelo-Branco lab, we are particularly interested in the molecular mechanisms defining the transcriptomic and epigenomic states of oligodendrocyte lineage cells, intending to design novel therapies to prevent and treat neuroinflammation and promote remyelination in multiple sclerosis.

Division

Our research group has performed single-cell/spatial omics studies, identifying, for instance, several cell states within the oligodendrocyte lineage in development and disease (Science 2016, Nature Medicine 2018, Nature 2019, Nature Biotechnology 2021, 2023, Neuron 2022, Nature 2023, Cell 2024, Nature 2025, Nature Neuroscience 2025, 2026, among others). Our recent findings suggest that oligodendrocyte lineage cells might present other functional properties than previously thought, transitioning, for instance, to disease-associated states. The successful candidate will be integrated into a multidisciplinary team comprising computational, molecular and cellular biologists and neuroimmunologists

Duties

We are looking for a highly motivated, driven, enthusiastic person interested in our area of research and ready to explore new avenues in science. The candidate should have a strong collaborative approach to research, be a team player as capable of working independently and contribute to a good social environment in the laboratory. The applicants must have a PhD degree, or equivalent (this requirement must be fulfilled at the latest at the time of the employment decision). It is desirable to have previous research experience in several (but not necessarily all) of the areas listed below:

• Epigenomic landscape, control and regulation, with know-how in epigenomic techniques such as ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, CUT&RUN, and/or CUT&Tag
• Programming skills (R and/or Python and/or others), UNIX and LINUX systems knowledge, familiarity with data science and big data.
• Experience in mouse models, including models of neuroinflammation and/or knock-in/knock-out mouse lines
• Master cell culture techniques

Entry requirements

Postdoctoral scholarships may be established for foreign researchers who pursue their merit in Sweden. A foreign researcher is a person living in another country who comes to Sweden with the intention of only staying in Sweden for all or part of their postdoctoral education at KI. Persons who are resident in Sweden and/or have carried out all or part of their academic education at KI or some other educational institution in Sweden cannot be considered for scholarships. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent.

A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four-year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.

To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate, or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) start date of the post-doctoral education.

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. Here, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical 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. Students and employees have free access to our modern gym facilities with trained staff on site.

Location: Solna

Type of scholarship

The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

Application process

Submit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system. Use the button in the top right corner and follow the instructions. We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish.

Your application must contain the following documents:

1. A complete curriculum vitae, including PhD certificate, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work (not more than 4 pages)
2. A selected list of publications (no more than 2 pages)
3. A personal letter highlighting previous scientific accomplishments, technical expertise, and why the candidate is interested in joining the host lab (no more than one page)
4. Verification from the thesis defence committee or the equivalent (only if the thesis defence is scheduled within three months after the application deadline)

The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all

1. Goncalo Castelo-Branco, [email protected]
2. Tony Jimenez-Beristain, [email protected]

1. Helin Norberg, [email protected]