Research assistant position in cell metabolism

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. MTC has about 40 research groups and our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations.

The Saei Lab focuses on studying metabolite-protein interactions in metabolic disease. We are now looking for one or two highly motivated research assistants. We offer an engaging research environment where you may contribute to high quality research on an international level.

Specifically, within this project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, we will apply cutting edge proteomics to human patient cells and plasma samples to identify factors that affect insulin resistance and metabolic disease. In another project, we aim to characterize the mitochondrial transporter of an essential nutrient in human cells, with a link to metabolic disease. These will be validated by versatile cell-based, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques. The project will involve close collaborations with Prof. Mikael Ryden and Dr. Niklas Mejhert’s lab at Karolinska Institute, and several other national and international groups. Insights gained from this research will provide a foundation for the development of novel therapeutics.

Your mission

Key responsibilities include:

• Proteomics analysis of patient biopsy and plasma samples
• Sample preparation for metabolomics analysis
• Bioinformatics and data visualization
• Maintaining mammalian cell cultures and spheroids
• Knockdown, knockout and overexpression of specific genes
• Performing immunoblotting (Western blot), ELISA, uptake assays and similar

Your profile

We are seeking curious and highly motivated individuals with a genuine interest in research, solid hands-on laboratory experience, good communication skills and ability to interact with colleagues and collaborators. You will have the opportunity to strengthen your experimental skills and learn new cutting-edge techniques.

In addition to the above requirements for the position:

• Master’s degree in biomedical engineering, biomedical science, biology, biochemistry or equivalent when the position starts
• Experience in cell culture, DNA/RNA/protein isolation, WB, ELISA, qPCR
• Experience in bioinformatics and programming (R or Python; required)
• Capacity to fluently speak and write in English
• Excellent references from previous work environments
• Strong organizational abilities
• Clear and effective communication skills
• Proactive attitude and self-initiative
• Willingness to engage in critical scientific discussions and respectfully challenge ideas

Meritorious for the position:

• Previous contribution to scientific publications is a merit
• Prior experience in proteomics is a merit

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: Solna

www.SaeiLab.com

https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-groups/translational-microbiome-research-and-pandemic-preparedness-lars-engstrand-group#tab-amir-saei-lab

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest August 27.

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.

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

Type of employment: Special fixed-term employment

Contract type: Full time

First day of employment: According to agreement

Salary: Monthly salary

Number of positions: 2

Full-time equivalent: 100 %

City: Solna

County: Stockholms län

Country: Sweden

Reference number: STÖD 2-3149/2025

Contact: Amirata Saei Dibavar, amirata.saei.dibavar@ki.se

Published: 2025-08-07

Last application date: 2025-08-27