Summary
The Cell Signalling, Immunity and Nanoimaging Lab (CSI:Nano) at Karolinska Institutet and SciLifeLab is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate macromolecular interactions during host-pathogen encounters. The project is led by Assoc. Prof. Erdinc Sezgin within the EU Horizon-supported COMBINE consortium. The position offers an interdisciplinary research environment bridging biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering using advanced reconstitution methods, super-resolution/nanoimaging technologies, and molecular dynamics simulations.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Host-Pathogen Interactions
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Quick Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Institution | Karolinska Institutet (Department of Women’s and Children’s Health) / SciLifeLab |
| Laboratory | Cell Signalling, Immunity and Nanoimaging Lab (CSI:Nano) |
| Position Type | Temporary (2-year contract with potential extension) |
| Working Hours / FTE | Full-time (100%) |
| Reference Number | STÖD 2-3271/2026 |
| Location | Campus Solna, Stockholm, Sweden |
| Application Deadline | September 12, 2026 |
| Target Start Date | Latest by January 1, 2027 |
Research Area
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Cell & Molecular Biology / Biomedicine / Biophysics
- Synthetic Biology & Model Membrane Systems (GUVs, GPMVs, SLBs, BSLBs)
- Advanced Bioimaging & Microscopy (FLIM, spectral imaging, lattice-light-sheet microscopy, flow cytometry)
- Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulations & Computational Analysis
Location
SciLifeLab, Karolinska Institutet, Campus Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
Eligibility & Qualifications
Required / Essential Qualifications:
- Doctoral Degree: A PhD (or foreign degree deemed equivalent to a Swedish PhD) in Cell and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, Biophysics, or related fields. (Graduation within the last 3 years is considered an advantage).
- Academic Background: BSc and MSc in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Engineering.
- Strong interest in host-pathogen interactions.
- Proven expertise in:
- Model membrane tools and protein reconstitution.
- Advanced imaging technologies and image analysis.
- Chemical biology probes.
- Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
- Strong independence, collaborative teamwork skills, and enthusiasm for mentoring master’s and PhD students.
Desirable / Assets:
- Programming and software development skills for analyzing multiparametric datasets.
Job Description
As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you will lead both experimental and computational pipelines to uncover the molecular mechanisms of how pathogens interface with host cells:
- Synthetic Reconstitution: Develop synthetic biology tools and model membranes to reconstitute host-pathogen interaction events.
- Advanced Imaging: Perform quantitative multi-parametric imaging (FLIM, spectral imaging, lattice light-sheet microscopy, flow cytometry).
- Computational Modeling: Run and interpret molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
- Biological Assays: Work with virus-like particles (VLPs) and human cell cultures.
- Data & Software Analysis: Build/use analytical pipelines and data tools to process multidimensional datasets.
- Collaboration: Actively engage with other researchers within CSI:Nano, SciLifeLab, KI, and the EU Horizon COMBINE consortium.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically via the Karolinska Institutet / Varbi recruitment portal:
Required Application Documents (in English):
- PhD Certificate / Degree certificate
- Complete Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including date of thesis defense, thesis title, past and current academic appointments, committee work, distinctions, and contact details of three references.
- Complete Publication List
- Summary of Current Work: Maximum 1 page.
- Cover Letter / Motivation Letter: Maximum 1 page detailing your interest in the lab and specific contributions you can bring (generic letters will not be considered).
Last Date for Apply
September 12, 2026
