Postdoctoral Researcher: Human Immunology

Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medicine, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine
We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious individual to join the research group of Yenan Bryceson as a Postdoctoral Fellow to identify and mechanistically understand novel primary immunodeficiency diseases with susceptibility to viral infection, hyperinflammation, as well as cancer.

Previously considered rare diseases of infancy, primary immunodeficiencies are now viewed as more common, also explaining disease in children, adolescents, and adults. With high-throughput genetics, rare, potentially disease-causing variants can be uncovered. A major challenge is to understand how such variants may cause disease. Work will involve development of innovative platforms for functional screening of patient samples. The project will be focused on defects in cytotoxic lymphocytes as well as other syndromes with impaired lymphocyte development, differentiation, or function. Our aim is to gain detailed insights to associations between genotype and immune function, allowing better diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering rare primary immunodeficiency disorders. The research group is internationally competitive, holding research grants from, among others, the European Research Council.

The research group is based at the Center of Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Karolinska Institutet. HERM consists of approximately 90 research fellows and is a nationally leading and internationally competitive environment for studies of the human immune system in the context of malignancy and infectious diseases. The vision is to become one of the leading translational research centers within hematopoiesis and immunity in Europe. The laboratory offers state-of-the art cell culture, molecular biology, flow cytometry and microscopy facilities. In the Bryceson group, you will be working in a very international and interdisciplinary research environment, where collaborative efforts are encouraged.

The position is available for two years, with a six month trial period. Depending on scientific progress, additional extensions are possible.

Entry requirements, skills, and personal qualities
A PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Hematopoiesis or related sciences is required (2014 or later), ideally with proven skills in cellular immunology and/or haematopoiesis research. Excellent spoken and written English is a requirement. Applicants should have first author publications in recognized peer-reviewed journals.

The position requires experience with multiparameter flow cytometry and/or high-throughput sequencing and analysis. Experience with bioinformatics, cell sorting, cell culture, and gene knockdown/transfection is an advantage. In addition, we believe that the successful candidate will have a strong background in immunology or hematopoiesis.

Good communication skills with the ability to present results clearly, work co-operatively as part of a team as well as independently with strong attention to detail are also essential. We will accord special weight to academic skills, particularly demonstrated excellence in research, a strong dedication, and excellent communication skills.

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

- A letter explaining the interest in the position and how the applicants background and experience would be relevant for the project.
- 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 synopsis of current research work (no more than one page)
- Verifications for crediting of illness, military service, work for labour unions or student organizations, parental leave, or similar circumstances
- 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 through the MyNetwork recruitment system.

Division
The Department of Medicine at Huddinge comprises seven units, three research centers and, around 70 independent research groups. Our ambition is to be a leading department within medical research and education. The Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM) is a research unit within the Department of Medicine Huddinge. The research at HERM is focused around translational studies of the immune system. HERM has since its inauguration in 2011 rapidly grown and gained national and international recognition.

Karolinska Institutet is one of the world´s leading medical universities. Its mission is to contribute to the improvement of human health through research and education. Karolinska Institutet accounts for over 40 per cent of the medical academic research conducted in Sweden and offers the country´s broadest range of education in medicine and health sciences. Since 1901 the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has selected the Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine.

Pursuant to the regulations of the Swedish National Archives, applications are kept on file for two years after the appointment has gained legal force. The regulations do not apply to attachments that have been printed or otherwise published.

Karolinska Institutet strives to provide a workplace that has approximately the same number of women and men, is free of discrimination and offers equal opportunity to everyone.

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