Research engineer in biotechnology with focus on proteomics

School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health at KTH

Job description

Researchers within the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) have been systematically mapping the localization of human proteins in cells, tissues and organs during the past 20 years. The project is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and data generated within the project is published on the open access database proteinatlas.org. The project has provided a foundation for hundreds of scientific publications and engaged collaborators all over the world.

Emma Lundberg’s research group is connected to KTH and located at SciLifeLab in Stockholm. The group is responsible for the subcellular part of the HPA and conducts front line research in spatial proteomics. For the subcellular part of the HPA we map the subcellular distribution of human proteins in cell lines using immunofluorescence (ICC-IF) and confocal microscopy. The research group is also applying the latest methods for highly multiplexed immunostaining of tissues and develops various tools for bioimage analysis, mostly using machine learning and AI-based models.

We are now looking for a research engineer for the HPA team. As a research engineer in this team your main task will be to map the subcellular localization of proteins in human cell lines with the help of immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. The tasks include laboratory work and well as basic qualitative image analysis, and data curation. In the lab, you will mainly do cell cultivation, immunostaining and microscopy. You will often work according to established SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and document your work in LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) but may also participate in the establishment of new protocols, and in other research projects that relate to the HPA.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future.
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and get settled in Sweden and at KTH.

Read more about what it’s like to work at KTH and our benefits.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A graduate degree or an advanced level (higher education) in the research subject or equivalent competence. 
• Good theoretical knowledge of cell- and molecular biology.
• Experience of laboratory work using cell- and molecular biology methods.
• Since we work in an international environment, you need to be able to communicate well in both written and spoken English.
• It is also an advantage if you are a good scientific writer, mainly in terms of popular science.
• You should have experience from laboratory work in these areas, and preferably with cell culture, antibody-based methods like immunofluorescence, and fluorescence microscopy.
• As a person, it is important that you are a team player and highly communicative, but that you also have the capability to independently plan your time, work in the lab and take your own initiatives.
• You need to be well organized and flexible, and ready to solve common problems that can occur in the lab when needed.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality.

Preferred qualifications

• PhD degree or MSc degree in biotechnology, cell biology, molecular biology, biomedicine or similar subject
• Experience in cell culture, particularly of human cell lines and hiPSCs.
• Experience in immunostaining of cells and/or tissues.
• Experience in confocal fluorescence microscopy.
• Experience in using Tecan liquid handling robots.
• Experience in qualitative- and/or quantitative bioimage analysis, for example using CellProfiler and/or ImageJ, and programming in R and/or Python.
• It is an advantage if you are a fast-learner and motivated.
• It is also an advantage if you are a good scientific writer, mainly in terms of popular science.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH’s recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximally two pages long.

Your complete application must be received by KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The employment is valid for a limited time according to the agreement – for up to 12 months, with access according to agreement.