Research Assistant in Development of Nanoparticle Analytics with focus on Extracellular Vesicles

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

The Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of seven divisions that conduct both research and teaching. The department is involved in advanced research, encompassing both basic and applied research. All divisions operate in close collaboration with clinicians at the Karolinska University Hospital. The Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM) focuses on the use of modified biomolecules, cells, and cell products as new therapeutic agents, as well as the identification and study of suitable biomolecular and cellular targets for therapy and diagnostics. The division is also connected to the Karolinska ATMP Center.

The research group of the EL Andaloussi lab is tackling one of the most critical challenges in modern therapeutics: the efficient delivery of macromolecules to target cells in vivo. Despite major advancements in disease understanding and mechanism exploration, many promising therapeutic approaches remain inaccessible in clinical settings due to a lack of effective delivery systems. To address this, we focus on pioneering novel drug delivery technologies that enable the safe and efficient transport of proteins, RNAs, and gene editors to specific tissues.

The lab has established expertise in engineering extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes, which are optimized for therapeutic delivery and targeting. In our efforts to push boundaries, we also explore other advanced delivery systems, including lipid nanoparticles, to address distinct therapeutic challenges. The lab’s therapeutics platform utilizes biological and synthetic nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents in relevant cellular and animal models, identifying the most effective approaches for diverse applications.

The Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine is seeking a research assistant with a strong background and hands-on experience in nanoparticle analytics. This role is part of a newly established, grant-funded team led by André Görgens. Building on a decade of experience with a strong track record of assay and method development for extracellular vesicle characterization and process development, the Görgens lab is now aiming to develop a next-generation nanoparticle analytics and sorting platform in close collaboration with the EL Andaloussi lab. One of the main aims of the Görgens lab is to build a dedicated platform for the high-resolution analysis and sorting of Extracellular Vesicles through utilizing flow cytometric and orthogonal methods.

Your mission

We are seeking an ambitious researcher to develop methods for analysis and sorting of Extracellular Vesicles and other nanoparticles, with a focus on developing flow cytometry-based workflows and procedures, optimizing pre-analytical variables for body fluid and cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles as well as for synthetic nanoparticles, in context of development of next generation therapies and diagnostics.

Your profile

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or process development in context of drug development or engineering, ideally with experience in nanoparticle flow cytometry and flow cytometric cell sorting, nanoparticle formulation, or related fields in nanoparticle preparation and analysis.

The candidate must:

• Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Biotechnology, Engineering, or a related field, with ongoing or completed advanced studies in Medical Biotechnology or a similar area.
• Have hands-on experience in essential laboratory techniques, such as PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, molecular cloning, bacterial transformation, protein purification, western blotting, cytofluorimetric analysis, or immunofluorescence.
• Have hands-on experience and knowledge of flow cytometry-based methods (e.g., flow cytometry analysis or fluorescence activated cell sorting, in context of cells or nanoparticles).
  • Have experience with other relevant analytical techniques (e.g., DLS, NTA, electron microscopy).
• Have relevant experience in production and formulation of biological or synthetic nanoparticles, e.g. in context of biomarker discovery or drug delivery
• Be proficient in English, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative, with a passion for contributing to therapeutic advancements and tackling scientific challenges as well as the ability to work independently.

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. 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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Application

We prefer that your application is written in English and includes a resume and cover letter.

Welcome to apply! Applications should be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

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

1. André Görgens, [email protected]

1. Tarja Schröder OFR, [email protected]
2. Annika Lindkvist SACO, [email protected]