Karolinska Institutet, one of the world’s leading medical universities, is seeking an outstanding and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Structural Virology. This position is based in the Division of Infectious Diseases within the Department of Medicine, Solna, Sweden. The successful candidate will join the dynamic research team of Leo Hanke at BioClinicum, located on the Karolinska University Hospital site.
Job Overview & Key Details
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Research Area | Structural Virology, Cryo-EM, Nanobody-based Technologies, Molecular Biology, Biophysics |
| Location | Department of Medicine, Solna (BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital), Sweden |
| Eligibility | PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or Molecular Biology (completed within the last 3 years is advantageous) |
| Employment Type | Full-time, Temporary/Postdoctoral fellowship |
| Last Date to Apply | Please refer to the application link (Apply as soon as possible) |
Job Description & Project Mission
The research group led by Leo Hanke studies highly pathogenic viruses. By combining molecular, functional, and structural biology approaches, the team aims to dissect viral infection mechanisms and host immune responses to inform the design of next-generation vaccines and antiviral therapeutics.
As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will focus on the structural characterization of viral and host proteins using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), integrated with biochemical and biophysical assays. A unique aspect of many projects in this lab is the use of antigen-specific nanobodies as structural probes to lock transient conformational states and map viral neutralization mechanisms.
Key Responsibilities:
- Recombinant protein expression and purification (including optimization of challenging protein complexes).
- Cryo-EM sample preparation, grid optimization, and high-resolution data collection.
- Image processing, 3D reconstruction, atomic model building, and refinement.
- Integrating structural structures with functional virological and immunological data.
- Designing projects, interpreting experimental data, writing manuscripts, and presenting findings at international conferences.
Eligibility & Qualification Requirements
To be considered for this postdoctoral role, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Degree: A PhD or an equivalent foreign doctoral degree in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or a closely related discipline. Note: This requirement must be met by the time the employment decision is made. Having completed the PhD within the last three years is highly advantageous.
- Cryo-EM Experience: Proven hands-on track record in cryo-EM, including sample grid preparation, optimization, and data collection.
- Software Proficiency: Practical experience with image processing tools (e.g., RELION, cryoSPARC) and structural modeling/refinement software (e.g., Coot, Phenix, ChimeraX) is required.
- Protein Biochemistry: Solid expertise in recombinant protein expression and purification.
- Language Skills: Excellent spoken and written English communication skills.
- Personal Attributes: High level of scientific creativity, strong organizational skills, and the capability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.
Desirable Qualifications:
Experience in any of the following areas will be considered an asset:
- Membrane proteins and viral glycoproteins
- Antibody/nanobody-antigen complexes
- X-ray crystallography
- Computational structural biology and AlphaFold-based modeling
- Advanced biophysical characterization methods
What Karolinska Institutet Offers
Karolinska Institutet provides a highly collaborative, creative, and inspiring scientific environment. Being located at the BioClinicum on the Karolinska University Hospital site offers researchers seamless opportunities to bridge fundamental biomedical research with clinical applications. Additionally, as a Swedish state university, KI offers comprehensive employment benefits, competitive collective agreement terms (RALS/RALS-T), and generous social benefits.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically via the Karolinska Institutet/Varbi recruitment portal. Your application packet must be written in English or Swedish and contain the following documents:
- A cover letter outlining your motivation and research interests.
- A complete Curriculum Vitae (CV) including details of your PhD defense date, thesis title, previous academic positions, and current role.
- A complete list of peer-reviewed publications.
- A summary of your current research work (maximum of 1 page).
- Copy of your PhD certificate/degree.
To start your application, click the official submission link below:
Apply Online – Official Recruitment Portal
