Summary
Karolinska Institutet is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC). The successful candidate will join a SciLifeLab-based research group dedicated to building self-assembled DNA nanostructures and using directed evolution to discover carriers for cell-specific delivery of therapeutic payloads. This role sits at the interface of DNA nanotechnology, cell biology, and high-throughput sequencing.
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area
DNA Nanotechnology, Cell Biology, High-throughput Sequencing, and Therapeutic Delivery.
Location
Solna, Sweden
Eligibility/Qualification
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- A PhD or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a Swedish PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedicine, nanotechnology, or a related field.
- The degree must be completed at the latest by the time of the employment decision (completion within the last three years is considered an advantage).
- Documented experience in mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
- Hands-on experience with confocal microscopy and/or flow cytometry, including data analysis.
- Experience working with nucleic acids and standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, enzymatic modification of DNA, gel electrophoresis).
- Excellent command of spoken and written English.
Meritorious Qualifications: Experience in gene silencing (siRNA, CRISPR), studies of endocytosis/intracellular trafficking, DNA nanotechnology design, or high-throughput sequencing data analysis (Python/R) is highly desirable.
Job Description
The researcher will develop and apply a selection platform for DNA nanostructures that are preferentially taken up by specific cell types. Key tasks include:
- Designing, assembling, and purifying DNA nanostructures and nanostructure libraries.
- Conducting cellular uptake and selection experiments in mammalian cell culture and complex disease models.
- Quantifying and localizing internalized structures using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy.
- Functionalizing structures with therapeutic payloads, such as oligonucleotides for gene silencing, and evaluating cellular activity.
- Analyzing high-throughput sequencing data in collaboration with computational colleagues.
- Presenting research findings at international conferences and contributing to the supervision of students.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system. The application should include the following documents in English or Swedish:
- PhD certificate.
- A complete CV, including date of thesis defense, title of the thesis, academic positions, and distinctions.
- A complete list of publications.
- A summary of current work (maximum one page).
Last Date for Apply
November 25, 2026
