Postdoctoral Researcher in Chromosome Organization and Function Karolinska Institutet in Sweden

Karolinska Institutet, one of the world's leading medical universities, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in chromosome organization and function. The successful candidate will join the lab of Professor Camilla Björkegren at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB), located in Biomedicum, Stockholm. The CMB department is renowned for its focus on basic science, conducting research and education in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, cancer, and infection biology.

The Björkegren lab investigates fundamental molecular mechanisms essential for chromosome organization, dynamics, and function, with a particular focus on SMC protein complexes. These complexes control key chromosomal processes, including 3D organization, repair, and segregation. The team combines in vivo models with biochemical analysis to unravel the function of the Smc5/6 complex, which is required for genome stability, viral restriction, and organism development. Current research explores the connection between SMC complexes, chromosome 3D organization, and transcription-induced DNA supercoiling.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will contribute to the analysis of chromosome organization and function, focusing on SMC complexes and their relationship to DNA supercoiling. Depending on your expertise and interests, you may perform in vivo investigations in human cells or focus on biochemical and structural analyses of relevant proteins and protein complexes. Initial tasks include genome-wide analysis of DNA-protein interactions and chromosome organization in normal and genetically modified cell lines, as well as protein purification, in vitro analysis of protein function, and structural analysis. With experience, you are encouraged to develop new lines of investigation and actively participate in disseminating research results at seminars, conferences, and through publications.

The research group is international, interactive, and multidisciplinary, with expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and bioinformatics. Collaborations with other national and international teams are integral to the lab's work. The position offers a creative and inspiring environment, access to a wide range of expertise, and opportunities for knowledge exchange across scientific fields within medicine and health.

Applicants must hold a PhD or a foreign degree equivalent to a Swedish PhD, completed by the time of employment decision. Completion of the doctoral degree within the last three years is preferred, though earlier completion may be considered for special reasons. Relevant scientific backgrounds in chromosome organization and stability, genomics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, or protein structure analysis are advantageous. The application must include a PhD certificate, complete resumé, publication list, contact details for two references, summary of current work, and a motivation letter, all submitted in English or Swedish.

The position is full-time and temporary, with a monthly salary and benefits provided through Karolinska Institutet's collective agreement. The application deadline is April 30, 2026. For more information about the department and research group, visit CMB and Camilla Björkegren's profile. Apply via the Varbi recruitment system at this link.