Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) for Cartilage Regeneration Department: Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Reporting to: Dr Eamon Sheehy & Prof Fergal O'Brien Location: Tissue Engineering Research Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2 Contract/Duration Full-time, Specified purpose contract up to 12 months Remuneration: Salary is according to Research Ireland salary scales and is dependent on experience Closing Date: 18th of August RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health. Here, you will thrive in an innovative and inclusive atmosphere and your personal development and wellbeing will be supported. We invite you to join us to help deliver on our exciting mission "To educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health". 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We are proud that RCSI ranks fifth in the world for "Good Health and Well-being" in the Times Higher Education #SDG #SDG Impact Rankings 2024. This reflects our commitment to supporting people of all ages to live healthy lives and our work to promote the concepts of well-being and positive health. In 2024, RCSI was delighted to be named one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work in Ireland. At RCSI, our core values of Respect, Collaboration, Scholarship, and Innovation are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every colleague is valued and empowered to thrive. Our dedication to these values ensures that we foster a culture of mutual respect, open collaboration, continuous learning, and innovative thinking. Join us at RCSI, where your contributions will be recognised, and you will be part of a dynamic team making a real impact on global health. About Our Research RCSI recognises that excellence in research is critical to the quality of its educational activities, its credibility, and, overall, to its mission to enhance human health. RCSI's research strategy aims to build upon its strength in translational biomedical and clinical research to deliver transformational, high impact changes in health care. Targeting both Irish national and EU funding, along with increased collaboration with industry, is a major part of the RCSI research strategy. Forging increased collaboration between RCSI PIs and industry is of critical importance to achieving success in this area. RCSI is also committed to provide its researchers with the supports and developmental opportunities to enable them to continuously grow and support their overall career development. Summary of Post This project targets the development of an advanced therapy medical product (ATMP) comprising a 3D-printed gene-activated scaffold for cartilage regeneration. The project aims to reinforce highly porous multi-layered collagen-based scaffolds with 3D-printed polycaprolactone frameworks and to functionalise these reinforced scaffolds with therapeutic genetic cargos in order to ameliorate joint inflammation and promote hyaline cartilage formation. The role is part an RCSI-managed, Research Ireland Accelerating Research to Commercialization (ARC) - Therapeutics Hub project which is co-funded through EU Regional Development funding. Successful candidates will join a multidisciplinary team in Prof Fergal O'Brien's Tissue Engineering Research Group. The project will involve development of a working prototype of the ATMP and validation through in vitro and in vivo testing while contributing to commercialization activities (e.g. business plan development) and IP applications. Training courses in entrepreneurship will be available through the ARC Hub. The project will combine aspects of additive manufacturing, scaffold fabrication, tissue engineering and gene therapy. We are looking for candidates with experience in tissue engineering, material science, genetics or immunology. Experience in chondrogenic tissue culture, animal handling, 3D-printing or gene therapy is highly desirable. Specifically, the duties of the post are: Scaffold fabrication using 3D-printing technologies and lyophilisation. Characterization of scaffold properties including mechanical testing and architecture assessment. Fabrication and characterization of nanoparticle-complexed genetic cargos (plasmid DNA, RNAi) In vitro testing of ATMP biocompatibility (e.g. chondrogenic tissue culture, cytotoxicity assays, rt-qPCR immunohistochemistry). In vivo implantation of ATMP and subsequent tissue analysis. Undertaking training in relevant entrepreneurship and business development skills via the ARC Hub services. Development of Intellectual Property applications and research publications relevant to the project. Grant writing and funding acquisition. Qualifications - (Essential): PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Immunology or a related topic (Postdoctoral Researcher) Knowledge & Experience - (Essential): Demonstrate knowledge and expertise within the field (e.g. through publications, patents or research awards) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and procedures that are relevant to the role. This will include knowledge and understanding of Research Ethics, and may also include broader University, sector, and external sponsor or funder policies. Demonstrate the ability to quickly adapt to new techniques and research environments. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Proficiency with basic molecular biology techniques (e.g. rt-qPCR, biochemical assay kits, immunohistochemistry). Past research experience in tissue engineering/3D printing/gene-therapy. Knowledge & Experience - (Desirable): Experience in material characterization of scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms of chondrogenesis and inflammation. Experience in gene-therapy Assessment of chondrogenesis and inflammation using biochemical assays and gene expression analysis. Cell/tissue culture experience. LAST course qualification in animal handling. Familiarity with research commercialization. Capacity to innovate and problem solve in research environments. Track record of high impact research (e.g. publications, research prizes, IP applications/patents) We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you. Application Process Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal on the closing date with your CV and cover letter. Click here to read our Recruitment and Selection Policy for Researcher. Informal Enquiries: Informal enquiries are invited in the first instance through Clarissa Disconzi, Human Resources Department (email: ). All applications for this post must be made through the career's webpage Clarissa can arrange for relevant queries on the academic aspects of the role to be addressed by the hiring manager. Please note we do not accept CVs directly.