Organisation/Company University College Cork Department HR Research Research Field Medical sciences » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions PhD Positions Country Ireland Application Deadline 23 May 2025 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
The School of Pharmacy University College Cork is inviting applications for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher in intestinal delivery of therapeutic RNA – Pharmacodelivery Group. The position is part of GENEGUT, a Research & Innovation project funded by the European Union. https://genegut.eu/
We are looking for an exceptionally enthusiastic, creative, and driven Postdoctoral Researcher with a passion for interdisciplinary science and a desire to apply their unique talents to high-impact work aimed at improving human health, to join the dynamic drug delivery groups of Professor Caitriona O’Driscoll and Dr. Piotr Kowalski at the School of Pharmacy at UCC. Their research spans multiple disciplines which will allow candidates to develop skills in a variety of areas including; RNA delivery, formulation and characterization of targeted nano-delivery systems, and gene therapy.
The project is part of the GENEGUT https://genegut.eu/ consortium funded by the European Commission as a Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action (RIA), (HORIZON-HLTH-2021-TOOL-06). Genegut has 9 partners from 8 different European countries. The consortium includes 4 academic groups, 3 industrial partners and a patient organization. The aim of the project is to design a first in class oral medicine for local intestinal delivery of siRNA and mRNA to treat ileal Crohn’s disease. A range of novel biomaterials will be synthesized and used to complex RNA into nanoparticles enabling RNA stability and enhanced efficacy in the hostile gut environment. A range of innovative in vitro and in vivo models will be established to assess safety and efficacy of the prototype products.
Successful candidates will work in a cross-disciplinary research team interacting with all the Genegut partners comprising of drug delivery scientists, RNA biologist, materials scientists, bioengineers, health economists and clinical scientists.
• Candidates with a Ph.D. degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, biopharmaceutical sciences, biomedical and chemical engineering or a related field are highly encouraged to apply.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas will be desirable: design, formulation and characterization of nano drug delivery systems, biomaterials, oral drug delivery, biological barriers to nucleic acid delivery, cell culture and animal work.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in international scientific journals
• Prior practical laboratory experience and the capability to work independently
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute in a multidisciplinary team setting
• Excellent oral/written communication skills
• Availability to start in Summer 2025 will be an advantage
Project Title: GENEGUT - Oral delivery of encapsulated RNA nanotherapeutics for targeted treatment of ileal Crohn's disease
The primary focus of the Postdoctoral Researcher will be research however a particular emphasis during this stage should include;
* To conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator/Project Leader.
* To engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator, School or College in order to develop research skills and competencies.
* To gain experience in grant writing.
* To engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which they are engaged, as directed by, with the support of and under the supervision of a Principal Investigator.
* To become familiar with the publication process.
* To acquire generic and transferable skills (including project management, business skills and postgraduate mentoring/supervision).
* To engage in the wider research and scholarly 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 possibly have an agreed role in supporting these students in their day to day research in conjunction with an academic supervisor.
* To carry out administrative work to support the programme of research.
* To carry out additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
* To contribute to costing research grant proposals and assist in the financial management of a research project.
Specific Requirements
* Appropriate research experience.
* Appropriate technical competence and accomplishment.
* A capability of working within a project team to achieve results.
* A commitment to gaining practical experience working on a research project.
* Ability to work well within a team.
* The successful candidate will be required to contribute to Genegut’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.
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