The Systems Virology Lab and Center for Systems Infection Biology, at Karolinska Institutet sit at the forefront of understanding how viruses interact with the human host at a systems level. Integrating cutting-edge single cell multi-omics approaches, with advanced experimental models such as human organoids, the lab deciphers the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern viral pathogenesis, immune evasion, and disease progression. Our research spans a broad spectrum of clinically relevant viruses, with a particular focus on retroviruses (e.g. HIV, HTLV), arboviruses (e.g. Dengue, Zika), interrogating how host–virus dynamics shape outcomes across tissues. By combining computational systems biology with rigorous experimental virology, we translate complex biological data into mechanistic insights with direct relevance to therapeutic and diagnostic innovation. Based at one of the world's leading medical universities, the lab fosters an international, collaborative, and intellectually ambitious environment where early-career scientists are empowered to develop as independent researchers and contribute to science that matters. The present project is nested in EU Horizon project COMBAT and other projects supported by the Swedish Research Council.
The position focuses on the development and application of advanced 3D cell culture systems, particularly organoids and spheroids, to model human tissue biology and disease processes. The research combines stem cell biology, molecular and cellular techniques, advanced imaging, and omics-based approaches to investigate host–tissue interactions in physiologically relevant experimental systems.
As a Research Specialist in the Systems Virology Lab, your mission is to push the boundaries of viral pathogenesis research using state-of-the-art human organoid models. You will take full ownership of generating, maintaining, and differentiating brain, gut, and placental organoids, optimizing robust protocols that serve as the experimental backbone of the lab's research programme.
For employment as Research Specialist at Karolinska Institutet, the eligibility requirements stated in the Guidelines for non-teaching positions at Karolinska Institutet are applied in relation to the established profile of employment.
To be eligible for employment as a Research Specialist, in addition to holding a Degree of Doctor, PhD, or having a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a Swedish doctoral degree, the applicant must have demonstrated research expertise as well as have documented postdoctoral research experience.
The ideal candidate for this research specialist should have a strong hands-on background in 3D cell culture systems such as organoids or spheroids. Direct experience generating, maintaining, and differentiating at least one of the target organoid types, brain, gut, or placental, is essential, ideally coupled with familiarity with iPSC culture and differentiation protocols.
Technically, the candidate should be proficient in confocal and fluorescence microscopy, standard molecular biology techniques, immunofluorescence on 3D tissue sections; experience with single-cell RNA sequencing or CRISPR would further strengthen the application.
Beyond technical skills, the role calls for someone who is deeply autonomous, ownership-driven, and capable of optimizing and troubleshooting complex protocols with minimal supervision, as the organoid systems will serve as the experimental backbone of the entire research programme. The ability to train junior lab members, contribute to scientific writing, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team is equally important. The strongest candidates will likely be those who completed their postdoctoral studies on brain or gut organoid models with some exposure to infection biology, or established virologists who have worked extensively with complex 3D tissue models, supported by a publication record reflecting expertise in one or both of these areas.
Assessment should be based on formal eligibility, including a PhD, demonstrated research expertise, and documented postdoctoral research experience (preferably >5 years). Particular emphasis should be placed on strong hands-on experience with 3D cell culture systems, especially the generation, maintenance, and differentiation of brain, gut, or placental organoids, ideally together with iPSC culture and differentiation expertise. Technical merit should include proficiency in confocal and fluorescence microscopy, immunofluorescence of 3D tissues, and standard molecular biology methods.
It is particularly meritorious that the applicant has shown
- The candidate should also demonstrate scientific independence, a relevant publication record, and the ability to optimize and troubleshoot complex protocols with minimal supervision. Person with senior author papers will be given priority.
-
Personal suitability should include autonomy, ownership, attention to detail, collaborative ability, capacity to train junior researchers, and contribution to scientific writing within a multidisciplinary research environment.
After an overall assessment of the expertise and merits of the applicants in relation to the subject area, Karolinska Institutet will determine which of them has the best potential to contribute to a positive development of the activities at KI.
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 successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical 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. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.
Location: Flemingsberg
We prefer that Your application is written in English, but You can also apply in Swedish. An application must contain the following documents: PhD certificate, resumé, qualifications and description of planned research, presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet's qualifications portfolio.
The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.
KI applies individual and differentiated salary setting in accordance with our collective agreements RALS and RALS-T. Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.
Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 % | Ort: Huddinge | Län: Stockholms län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: STÖD 2-2798/2026 | Kontakt: Iva Filipovic , Iva Filipovic , | Facklig företrädare: Annica Lindkvist, SACO , Annica Lindkvist, SACO , Tarja Schröder, OFR-ST , Tarja Schröder, OFR-ST , | Publicerat: 2026-06-22 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-07-13
