Neurovascular Senior Research FellowContractDublinRole PurposeOur client in Dublin is looking for a Senior Research Fellow to join their team. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of an innovative dual-cell therapy targeting neonatal hypoxia-associated brain injury. Neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is the second leading cause of infant mortality globally and a major contributor to long-term neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and sensory impairments. In Europe and the United States, HIE affects approximately 1 to 3 per 1,000 live births.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, establish, and optimize in vitro hypoxia models relevant to neonatal brain injury.Validate models for reproducibility and translational relevance.Conduct proteomic and transcriptomic (RNA-seq) analyses to elucidate the mechanism of action (MoA) of MSC and ECFC co-therapy.Integrate multi-omics data to identify key therapeutic pathways and biomarkers.Define and characterize critical quality attributes (CQAs) for both MSCs and ECFCs, including identity, purity, viability, and immunophenotype.Develop and implement robust assays to monitor CQAs.Design and validate a potency matrix that reflects the therapeutic function of the dual-cell product.Correlate potency metrics with MoA and preclinical efficacy data.Develop release assays to ensure product consistency and compliance with regulatory standards.Collaborate with consortium members to integrate assays into GMP and downstream activities.Design and implement cell-based assays for functional characterisation and screening of therapeutic leads.Analyse complex datasets from omics platforms and functional assays.Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary research team, fostering collaboration and scientific excellence.Lead and drive writing of manuscripts, grant reports, and regulatory submission contributions.Present findings at consortium meetings, scientific conferences, and stakeholder briefings.Essential CriteriaPhD in neuroscience, cell therapy, regenerative medicine, or a related scientific field and at least 6 years post-PhD experience in the field.Clearly demonstrated leadership in research, a strong publication record in high-impact journals, presentation at international conferences, successful supervision of junior researchers and /or PhD students.Proven experience in developing and validating in vitro and/or in vivo models of hypoxia or neurovascular injury.Strong expertise in cell biology, particularly with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs).Demonstrated experience in proteomics and transcriptomics (e.g., RNA-seq) for mechanism of action studies.Experience in defining and assessing critical quality attributes (CQAs) such as identity, purity, and viability.Track record in developing potency assays and release criteria for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).Hands-on experience with neuronal models and their application in neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental research.Familiarity with neurovascular models and the study of vascular–neural interactions in health and disease.Experience in leading or mentoring research staff or students.