Postdoctoral Researcher In Bioengineered Extracellular Vesicles For Genome Editing

Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioengineered Extracellular Vesicles for Genome Editing

Our research in the EL Andaloussi lab addresses one of the greatest challenges in modern therapeutics: the efficient delivery of macromolecules to target cells in vivo. Although biomedical science has vastly expanded our understanding of diseases and their mechanisms, many promising therapeutic strategies are not clinically viable due to delivery limitations. To bridge this gap, we develop advanced drug delivery technologies capable of transporting therapeutic agents with precision, safety, and efficiency. A major focus of our lab is the engineering of extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes, to improve their delivery and targeting capabilities. We systematically screen a wide array of engineered EVs in disease-relevant cellular and animal models.

Leveraging this platform, we are now applying EVs to precision genome editing using CRISPR-based tools, to modulate gene function in disease-relevant models of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's disease. This complex undertaking requires interdisciplinary collaboration, combining expertise in molecular and synthetic biology, and high-resolution optical imaging. Effective delivery of genome editors involves, not only molecular design, but also a deep understanding of intracellular trafficking, EV biogenesis, and spatiotemporal control of editing events—challenges best tackled through diverse scientific perspectives. We offer a unique opportunity to contribute to this innovative research at the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet. Our collaborative and international team welcomes applicants from multidisciplinary backgrounds to help advance next-generation therapeutic delivery systems.

Your Mission

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will work on the engineering of bioengineered extracellular vesicles for targeted genome editing in both in vitro and in vivo models. The project also involves studying their uptake, trafficking, and functional delivery in disease-relevant contexts.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Performing in vitro experiments using disease-related models.
• Applying and optimizing optical imaging techniques, including confocal microscopy and immunofluorescence staining, to monitor EV uptake and intracellular localization.
• Analyzing sequencing data and gene editing outcomes.
• Working in a multidisciplinary setting spanning molecular biology, protein engineering, cellular imaging, and bioinformatics

This position is especially suitable for candidates with interdisciplinary training. We welcome applicants from molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, biophysics, or related fields.

Your Profile

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctor, a PhD or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a Swedish PhD is required. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled at the latest at the time of the employment decision. Completion of your doctoral degree within the last three years is considered an advantage. If there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier.

Applicants should have a strong background in molecular biology or biotechnology. Practical laboratory experience is required in several key areas, including RNA sequencing, molecular cloning, confocal microscopy and other optical imaging techniques, and extensive work with mammalian cell culture—particularly in generating stable cell lines for protein expression. The candidate should also have solid hands-on experience with CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing technologies, including design and validation of guide RNAs, delivery of editing components, and functional screening. Familiarity with other Cas variants (e.g., Cas12a, Cas13) is highly desirable, as the project involves exploring alternative editing systems for improved precision and efficiency. Prior work in the field of extracellular vesicles (EVs) or viral vectors, as well as basic bioinformatics skills, will be considered an advantage. Experience with neurodegenerative disease models and animal experiments (FELASA certification) is a merit. Candidates with a background that bridges molecular biology and quantitative sciences—such as biophysics or computational biology—are particularly encouraged to apply. Experience in applying physical modeling or image-based quantification in biological systems is highly valued.

Excellent communication skills in both spoken and written English are essential. We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven individual who thrives in a collaborative environment and actively contributes to the team.

What Do We Offer?

A creative and inspiring research environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. We conduct cutting-edge medical research and offer the largest range of medical education in Sweden. At KI, you will engage with researchers across disciplines, gaining exposure to diverse methods and perspectives. This cross-disciplinary collaboration is central to KI's global research leadership. Our proximity to healthcare providers ensures that education and research stay clinically relevant and impactful. The position is hosted in the EL Andaloussi group, which offers extensive experience in EV-based delivery, gene editing, disease modeling, and translational research. The project encourages interdisciplinary thinking and supports career development for researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds.

Location: Flemingsberg

Choose to work at KI – Ten reasons why

Application

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

• PhD certificate
• 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.