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Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher - human cellular immunology: Ireland

The APC Microbiome Ireland are seeking a highly motivated, experienced and innovative post-doctoral scientist to join the APC’s Gut Inflammation Research group to investigate mechanisms underpinning the regulation of intestinal epithelial cell function by the immune system using human intestinal organoids. The successful applicant will use this system to discover and validate novel targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) for the development of innovative medicines. The goal of our group is to identify and validate several new therapeutic targets for patients with IBD, including those patients that do not respond satisfactorily to current therapeutic approaches such as anti-TNF biologics. The successful candidate will use 3-D and 2-D human intestinal organoid culture systems and develop methodologies to study specific epithelial cell functions (i.e. apoptosis, necroapoptosis, cytokine and chemokine production, mucus production, defensin production, barrier function). The person will use intestinal epithelial cell lines and organoid cultures to perform phenotypic screens using recombinant proteins, small molecules, RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9 to identify new inflammatory mediators and their associated pathways. The person will genetically modify and perturb cellular pathways in organoids using CRISPR-Cas9-technology to understand the effect such modifications have on organoid growth, differentiation, survival, and response to immunomodulators. The person will also investigate the epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms underpinning synergistic regulation of epithelial cell inflammatory gene expression by inflammatory mediators using a combination of ATAC-Seq, ChIP-Seq, ChIP-qPCR, RNA-Seq, and qRT-PCR. In this position, the individual is expected to make major scientific laboratory-based contributions to the research goals and milestones of the Gut Inflammation group and will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills by providing mentorship to post-graduates. The successful candidate will also be expected to secure competitive research funding for research proposals.

Required Qualifications/Experience: PhD (Immunology/Molecular or Cellular Biology), with at least 3 years postdoctoral experience in human cellular immunology and cytokine biology research.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience:

  • extensive knowledge of human cellular immunology, cytokine biology, inflammation, IBD and human disease research
  • extensive knowledge of mammalian cell signalling research and epigenetic mechanisms
  • significant experience with human intestinal organoid culture systems
  • significant experience with ATAC-Seq, ChIP-Seq, ChIP-qPCR, RNA-Seq, and qRT-PCR
  • significant experience with RNAi and CRISP/Cas9
  • significant expertise with flow cytometry and immunophenotyping
  • the candidate should be knowledgeable, highly motivated, creative, and collaborative
  • excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative research environment
  • strong communication and interpersonal skills are required
  • record of publication in a well-recognized journal(s)

 

 

Project Title: Gut Inflammation – Discovery and Therapeutic Targeting of the Secretome-Receptome Inflammatory Network in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher

This is an advanced research training role, building on their prior experience as a Post-Doctoral Researcher in UCC or elsewhere, where you will conduct a specified programme of research and research training under the guidance of a Principal Investigator. The primary purpose of the role is to deliver research results and objectives, develop new or advanced research skills and competencies, the successful development of funding proposals and to interact in the supervision and mentorship of graduate students, in conjunction with an academic supervisor.

The Post-Doctoral/Senior Post-Doctoral phase has an expected duration up to a maximum of 6 years, subject to the term of the project, on a full-time or part-time basis.  Movement to the grade of Senior Post-Doctoral researcher in the University will be by competing for an advertised post. External appointments made directly to Senior Post-Doctoral research positions must have previous post-doctoral experience of at least 3 years.

Key duties and responsibilities

  • to conduct and lead a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator/Project Leader
  • to secure competitive research funding for research proposals
  • to engage in appropriate and professional development opportunities as required by your Principal Investigator, School or College
  • to assume a role in the design as well as the execution of research, contributing significantly to the development of research proposals and funding successes
  • to support the Principal Investigator and research group in the design and development of a research programme
  • to engage in the dissemination of the results of the research, as directed by and with the support of and under the supervision of the Principal Investigator
  • to engage in the wider research activities of the Research Group, School or College
  • to interact closely with postgraduate research students who are studying for a Masters or a PhD and have an agreed role in supporting these students in their day to day research in conjunction with the supervisor or supervision team
  • to conduct administrative and management work associated with the research project
  • to carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post
  • to engage in costing research grant proposals and take on financial management of projects

Criteria

  • a PhD qualification
  • extensive competence and experience in a research area
  • supervisory skills
  • leadership potential
  • experience of applying for and securing funding
  • the successful candidate will be required to contribute to the APC’s Public Engagement Programme, by being involved in science related dissemination activities for the public and schools
  • please note that Garda vetting and international police clearance check may form part of the selection process

 For Informal Enquiries on the post candidates should contact:  Dr. Ken Nally, Lecturer in School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Principal Investigator, APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC,  k.nally@ucc.ie

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