Research Assistant in Epigenetics of smoking in Multiple Sclerosis

Karolinska Institutet; Solna kommun; On-site; SEK 267,840 - 357,120; Full time

Job summary

Karolinska Institutet in Solna invites a Research Assistant to explore how smoking affects epigenetic mechanisms in multiple sclerosis, contributing to translational research at the intersection of molecular biology and neurology. You will work within an international team led by Prof. Jagodic and Dr.

Kular on clinically relevant questions. You will perform NGS library preparation on clinical and experimental samples, conduct CRISPR/dCas9-epigenome editing in vitro, and contribute bioinformatic

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Scientific background on human diseases and mechanisms involved in autoimmunity and nervous processes.
• Knowledge of mechanisms of gene regulation and epigenetics.
• Technical skills in molecular (cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR) and cellular (cell culture, transfection) work.
• Experience with NGS-based library preparation, preferably in DNA methylation and gene expression.
• Programming skills (preferably in R) in NGS-derived analyses (bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing).
• Good command of spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with PhD students, postdocs, and senior researchers to decipher MS pathogenesis with focus on smoking-related epigenetic mechanisms.
• Perform NGS library preparation, CRISPR/dCas9-epigenome editing in vitro, and bioinformatic analyses of transcriptomic changes.
• Work under supervision to advance interactive translational research in precision medicine.

Skills

Epigenetics

NGS library prep

CRISPR/dCas9

RNA sequencing

qPCR

Cell culture

R programming

English proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Job description

Research Assistant in Epigenetics of smoking in Multiple Sclerosis

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

Join the dynamic and cooperative group of Prof. Maja Jagodic under the supervision of the Team Leader Dr. Lara Kular at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience. This offers the opportunity to contribute to interactive research driven by pertinent clinical questions, combining deep molecular understanding of the mechanisms underlying Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with some of the most competitive clinical materials worldwide. You will benefit from a highly collaborative, engaged and international research environment committed to exploring innovative translational ideas in precision medicine where you will have the possibility to conduct research at the top international level in the field.

Your mission

We are looking for a 50% research assistant for a 6-month position with possibility of extension. The successful candidate will join our research team and collaborate with PhD students, postdocs, and senior researchers to decipher multiple sclerosis pathogenesis, with a focus on the mechanisms underlying the impact of smoking on neuroinflammation in MS. The work entails both an experimental side including next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation of clinical and experimental samples, functional experiments based on CRISPR/dCas9-epigenome editing in vitro and bioinformatic work to address transcriptomic changes under the guidance of our senior bioinformatician.

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate who shares our passion for translational research and epigenetics. The candidate should have the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues and students.

Absolute requirements:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Scientific and/or research background on human diseases and mechanisms involved in autoimmunity and nervous processes.
• Knowledge of mechanisms of gene regulation and epigenetics.
• Technical skills in basic molecular (cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR) and cellular (cell culture, transfection) work.
• Documented practical experience with NGS-based library preparation, preferably in the field of both DNA methylation and gene expression.
• Documented programming skills (preferably in R) in NGS-derived analyses preferably in both bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing.
• Good command of spoken and written English.

Meritorious requirements:

• Knowledge of multiple sclerosis disease
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of the molecular impact of exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke (e.g., human omics, in vitro exposure)
• Practical experience with CRISPR-based methylation editing
• Co-authorship of scientific publications or manuscripts is a plus

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

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