Postdoctoral Researcher in metabolomics of asthma

Chronic lung disease is one of the largest noncommunicable diseases globally, resulting in upwards of 4 million deaths annually. Obstructive lung diseases including asthma and COPD are heterogenous syndromes for which the molecular determinants of individual sub-types of pathogenesis remain unclear. This is a major barrier in understanding disease etiology and in stratifying patients for treatment as well as in identifying actionable therapeutic targets. There is accordingly a need to develop targeted diagnostic methods for phenotyping asthma and identifying treatable endotypes as part of a precision medicine approach to disease management.

We have an opening for an individual wishing to join a multidisciplinary project aimed to develop quantitative methods for molecular phenotyping of asthma. Based upon our previous metabolomics studies on asthma (https://tinyurl.com/2p8a826j, https://tinyurl.com/288cws3f), the aim of this project is to develop targeted quantitative methods for personalized medicine applications in asthma. The successful candidate will be expected to use and further develop mass spectrometry-based methods for quantification of small polar compounds and lipids. The methodology will be formatted for high-throughput application in 96-well plate format using automated sample preparation techniques. Developed methods will be employed in multiple large-scale clinical studies, with a focus on interventional studies and precision pharmacotherapy with novel biologics (e.g., mepolizumab, omalizumab). This project will be performed in collaboration with researchers at the Harvard Medical School (see https://tinyurl.com/2wr6fr6y and https://tinyurl.com/bddrzztc). 

Your profile

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a Ph.D. in quantitative mass spectrometry or bioanalytical chemistry. The successful candidate will be expected to use and further develop mass spectrometry-based methods for quantification of small molecule metabolites. Accordingly, applicants must document their experience in small molecule mass spectrometry by LC-MS/MS as well as familiarity with quantification and method validation. Prior experience working in a clinical research environment or with large-scale analyses is considered a merit. Excellent communication skills and an ability to interact socially and scientifically with other members of the laboratory and with international collaborators are essential. Due do the collaborative nature of the project, a willingness to travel internationally will be considered a merit.

Qualification to be employed as a postdoctoral researcher requires having obtained a doctorate or the equivalent scientific competence. It is considered as an advantage if you have completed your doctoral degree within the last three years, if there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier. 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) date of employment. This must be substantiated by the applicant’s main supervisor, director or equivalent.

What do we offer?

We offer a creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. The research environment includes working with state-of-the-art equipment, including multiple mass spectrometers in a new custom designed state-of-the art analytical facility. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world’s leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, 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. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement. The successful applicant will belong to the Unit of Integrative Metabolomics in the Institute for Environmental Medicine. This full-time position is temporary (two years), with potential for renewal.

Application

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

• A complete resumé, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
• A complete list of publications
• A summary of current work (no more than one page)

Welcome to apply.

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

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