Offer Description
Project Background
Colorectal (colon) cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally.
Early diagnosis is critical for improving patient outcomes, yet current screening methods are often invasive, costly, and lack sensitivity.
This Enterprise Ireland-funded project aims to develop a novel, protein-based diagnostic test for colon cancer, leveraging molecular biology, recombinant protein production, and immunoassay development.
The project will be based in the School of Biotechnology at DCU and will involve close collaboration with academic partners at Trinity College Dublin (TCD).
The successful candidate will contribute to the design, production, and validation of recombinant antibodies and the development of prototype diagnostic assays.
Role Profile
The Postdoctoral Researcher will join a multidisciplinary research team focused on translating molecular and immunological discoveries into diagnostic technologies.
The postholder will be responsible for:
Molecular cloning and construct design for recombinant protein expression in E. coli
Expression and purification of recombinant and fusion proteins
Biochemical and biophysical characterisation of recombinant proteins
Development and optimisation of ELISA or related immunoassays for biomarker detection
Documentation and reporting of experimental data in accordance with project and funding requirements
Liaising and coordinating research activities with collaborators at Trinity College Dublin
Preparation of manuscripts, progress reports, and dissemination materials
Qualifications and Experience
PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a closely related discipline.
Strong hands-on experience in molecular cloning, gene expression in E. coli, and recombinant protein purification.
Demonstrated proficiency in standard molecular and protein analysis techniques (e.g., SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, spectrophotometry).
Excellent problem-solving, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Experience in fusion protein design and expression in E. coli.
Expertise in antibody engineering or recombinant antibody fragment generation.
Experience in ELISA or other immunoassay development for diagnostic applications.
Background in translational biomedical research or diagnostic assay development.
Molecular cloning methods (restriction/ligation, Gibson Assembly)
PCR and quantitative PCR
Affinity chromatography (e.g., Ni-NTA, GST-tag purification)
Protein quantification and stability assessment
ELISA or related immunoassay optimisation
Where to apply
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