Position: First Stage Researcher (R1) – PhD Position. Organisation/Company: UCD. Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering. Application deadline: 15 Aug 2026 (17:00 Europe/Dublin). Country: Ireland. Type of contract: Temporary. Job status: Full‑time.
Offer Description
Transformation of Advanced Medicines Manufacture (TRANS-AM)
Gene therapies are a type of advanced medicine that represent exciting possibilities to treat and potentially cure many life‑altering and life‑threatening diseases. They also represent a huge growth area with several hundred currently in various stages of development. Many of these are based on using recombinant Adeno‑associated virus (rAAV) as a delivery vector. If even a small portion of them reach the market, current manufacturing and characterisation technologies in the industry will struggle to deliver them economically and safely for patients.
This research program aims to provide innovative solutions to help overcome the manufacturing challenges associated with producing rAAV and brings together experts from two leading Irish institutions, NIBRT and UCD, and APC‑VLE Ltd. (https://approcess.com/services/cell-and-gene-therapies) – a leading Irish industrial partner – in an exciting 5‑year collaborative program.
The successful candidates will be based in either NIBRT or UCD and will also spend some time on placements in the industrial partner.
We are seeking ambitious, inquisitive and innovative individuals to join our multidisciplinary research team. As part of a dynamic and collaborative environment, you will contribute to breakthrough work that supports the scalable, efficient, and high‑quality production of viral vectors—laying the foundation for next‑generation treatments for genetic diseases.
The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (‘NIBRT’) is a global centre of excellence, headquartered in Dublin that provides training and research solutions to the global biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector. NIBRT arose from an innovative collaboration between University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University and the Institute of Technology, Sligo, with core funding from the Government of Ireland through Ireland’s inward investment agency, IDA Ireland. NIBRT’s 8,300 m² facility has over 100 employees currently and houses fully operational pilot plants for biologics manufacturing training to industry and education, multiple research laboratories focused on biopharmaceuticals manufacturing research and a dedicated facility focused on the early‑stage development of biologics and advanced therapy products. The facilities and infrastructure are world‑leading and provide a vibrant environment for delivery of excellent science and translation research and opportunities for career growth, development and progression.
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN (UCD) is one of Europe’s leading research‑intensive universities where undergraduate education, postgraduate masters and PhD training, research, innovation and community engagement form a dynamic continuum of activity. The University was established in 1854 by John Henry Newman whose classic work The Idea of a University is one of the most enduring texts on the value of higher education and a source of inspiration for UCD’s current educational philosophy.
Today UCD is Ireland’s largest university with almost 25,000 students. It is the most popular destination for Irish school‑leavers and actively promotes university life as a journey of academic and personal discovery through its highly innovative and flexible UCD Horizons undergraduate curriculum. UCD is Ireland’s leader in postgraduate education with almost 7,000 postgraduate students, representing approximately 28 % of the UCD student population, and almost 2,000 PhD students. Over 50 % of UCD undergraduates progress to postgraduate studies.
Project 2: Improving rAAV safety through glycoengineering
Recombinant adeno‑associated viruses (rAAVs) are the leading vectors for gene therapy, with eight rAAV‑based therapies with regulatory approval (EMA and/or FDA) and over 250 rAAV‑based therapies undergoing clinical trials. Despite their success in treating life‑threatening illnesses, the rAAV doses required to achieve therapeutic benefit often lead to immune responses that reduce efficacy and, in extreme cases, may lead to patient death.
The capsid proteins of rAAVs are decorated with complex carbohydrates (glycans), the composition of which may drive dangerous immune responses in patients. For example, the immune system is known to target high mannose carbohydrates present on the envelope of several pathogenic viruses. Recent research has found that the majority of rAAV glycans are high‑mannose, further suggesting that glycans play an important role in rAAV safety.
This project aims to engineer rAAV carbohydrates, converting pathogenic high‑mannose structures into non‑immunogenic forms. Initially, the project will remodel rAAV glycans using in‑vitro methods. Once the immunological benefit of rAAV glycoengineering is established, the project will continue with genetically engineering HEK293 cells, the most widely used host for rAAV production, to yield gene therapy vectors with non‑immunogenic glycans.
This exciting project offers a mix of enzyme catalysis, molecular biology, cell culture, in‑vitro assay development, and data analytics. We are looking for candidates that are interested in these areas and who wish to deploy genetic engineering strategies to advance the safety and efficacy of next‑generation biological medicines.
Candidate profile: Applicants should hold or expect to receive an upper 2.1 or 1.1 degree in a relevant discipline, such as Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, or Biochemical Engineering. Experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques are preferred. Training will be provided on the methods required for successful project completion. Teamwork, motivation to learn new skills, and excellent verbal and written communication skills are desirable.
How to apply:
Project 4 applicants should upload a cover letter, CV, and motivation letter outlining why you want to pursue a PhD to this link ( https://forms.gle/ZTjUWotqvodkr9nK7 ) before 31/05/2026.
Annual stipend of €25,000 plus fees for 4 years.
Where to apply
E‑mail ioscani.jimenezdelval@ucd.ie
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent
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