Postdoctoral studies in mitochondrial genetics (scholarship)

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

Join a leading research team dedicated to understanding how mutations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) affect mitochondrial function in health, disease and ageing. At the Division of Molecular Metabolism, we combine fundamental research with clinical perspectives in a collaborative and well-equipped environment. We are currently looking for 1–2 highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join the research group of Nils-Göran Larsson. Our group values scientific curiosity, teamwork, and careful experimentation. We welcome motivated researchers eager to explore mitochondrial biology in depth and contribute to advancing the field.

Division

The Division of Molecular Metabolism, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, is located at the modern Biomedicum laboratory building at Solna campus of Karolinska Institutet. Our research encompasses basic scientific approaches to understand the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism as well as biochemical and genetic studies of patients with inherited diseases. We use biochemistry, molecular biology and a set of elaborate genetic mouse (Mus musculus) and fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) models to study molecular regulation of mitochondrial function. We also have access to cell lines and tissues from patients with mitochondrial disease for human validation of results. Modern -omics techniques, including single cell proteomics, play an important role in our analyses. We offer an outstanding research environment and a close interaction between basic science and clinical science and diagnostics at the Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases (CMMS) at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Excellent access to the most advanced resources in molecular and cell biology is available at the department and at the national core facilities at the Science for Life Laboratory.

https://ki.se/en/mbb/research-division-of-molecular-metabolism

https://ki.se/en/mbb/nils-goran-larsson-group

Duties

The mtDNA has a central role in cellular energy metabolism, and mtDNA maintenance defects and pathogenic mtDNA mutations play an important role in human pathology and ageing. The postdoc will be focused on studies of the segregation and inheritance of mtDNA mutations, and how interactions with nuclear genes impact the disease manifestations of pathogenic mtDNA mutations. The group of Nils-Göran Larsson focuses on understanding molecular processes determining how mitochondrial dysfunction causes disease and ageing by using biochemistry, molecular biology and modern -omics approaches.  In addition, advanced mouse models, including conditional knockout strains and strains with mtDNA mutations generated by gene editing, will be an important component of the project.

Entry requirements

Applications are invited from enthusiastic and motivated individuals with a PhD in molecular biology or genetics. We are interested in individuals with experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, mouse genetics and different -omics methods. Candidates with knowledge of DNA sequence analysis and bioinformatics are also of interest. Good documentation skills as well as proficiency in both spoken and written English are required. The successful candidates should be able and willing to work in a team to pursue his/her research. Personal suitability is of great importance when evaluating the applicants.

Postdoctoral scholarships may be established for foreign researchers who pursue their postdoctoral research in Sweden. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent.

A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.

To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) start date of the post doctoral education.

The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

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. Here, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Students and employees have free access to our modern gym facilities with trained staff on site.

Location:

Type of scholarship

The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

Application process

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

•  A complete resumé (max 2 pages)
• A personal motivation letter, explaining your research interest (max 1 page)
• A complete list of publications
• Contact information of at least two references   

The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system.

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

1. Camilla Koolmeister, [email protected]