Postdoctoral Studies in Human Translational Fibrosis and Metabolic Disease (Scholarships)

The Romeo group works at the intersection of genetics, metabolism, and clinical medicine. We combine state-of-the-art experimental models with patient-oriented translational research and strong collaborations across KI, Swedish healthcare, and leading international research environments. We offer a stimulating workplace with excellent opportunities for collaboration, high scientific ambition, and strong potential for a bright academic future.

Your mission

As a postdoctoral researcher in the Romeo group, you will work with advanced 3D in vitro models of fibrosis and metabolic disease, using multiple primary and immortalized human cell lines. Your research will focus on identifying molecular mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets relevant to metabolic disease and fibrosis.

Key responsibilities include

• Establishment and use of 3D in vitro fibrosis and metabolic disease models.
• Gene silencing and overexpression of candidate target genes to evaluate their functional roles.
• Assessment of experimental outcomes including fibrosis formation, fat accumulation, protein production and secretion, and mRNA expression levels.
• Integration of molecular and cellular readouts to identify disease-driving pathways and potential intervention points

You are expected to plan and perform experiments independently, analyse and interpret data, write scientific manuscripts, present results, and actively contribute to a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment.

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.

Required qualifications

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with:

• A PhD (or be close to completion in exceptional cases) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Strong theoretical background and extensive hands-on experience in in vitro techniques, such as cell culture and modulation of gene expression (including upregulation and/or downregulation of target genes)
• Solid expertise in molecular biology techniques, such as DNA and RNA extraction and quantification, Western blotting, Real-time, Immunoprecipitation and ELISA
• Experience with immunofluorescence and fluorescence microscopy
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent spoken and written English, with strong communication skills

We place great emphasis on personal suitability, scientific curiosity, and motivation.

Additional merits

Experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered a strong advantage:

• Complex cellular systems, including organoid models
• Histological techniques, such as in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry
• Confocal microscopy
• High-throughput screening approaches
• Development or optimization of molecular and experimental methods
• Familiarity with R, STATA, IBM SPSS Statistics, or Python

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: Huddinge

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

An application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

• A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
• A complete list of publications
• A summary of current work (no more than one page)

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

First day of employment: According to agreement
Salary: Scholarship
Reference number: STÖD 2-3911/2026
Contact:

1. Stefano Romeo, recruitment manager,
2. Anna Heinerö, HR-Partner,

Union representative:

1. Peter Svensson, SACO, peter.svensson@ki.se
2. Mari Gilljam, OFR, mari.gilljam@ki.se
3. Robert Lindberg, SEKO, robert.g.lindberg@seko.se

Published: 2026-09-28
Last application date: 2026-10-26