RCSI - Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Organisation/Company: RCSI - Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Department: Human Resources
Research Field: Medical sciences » Health sciences
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
Positions: Postdoc Positions
Country: Ireland
Application Deadline: 28 Feb 2025 - 23:45 (Europe/Dublin)
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 39
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
Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow (Parkinson’s Disease Experimental Research)
Department: Physiology & Medical Physics
Reporting to: Prof Jochen Prehn and Dr Niamh Connolly
Contract/Duration: Fulltime, contract for up to 23 months.
Remuneration: IUA Post-doctoral Researcher Level 1 pt 2
Closing Date: 28th Feb 2025
RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health. We invite you to join us to help deliver on our exciting mission “To educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health”.
About Our Research
RCSI recognises that excellence in research is critical to the quality of its educational activities. 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.
Summary of Post
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled post-doctoral researcher with strong experimental background in spatial/single-cell multi-omics, multiplex fluorescence imaging, associated bioinformatics techniques, and complementary systems modelling. The ideal candidate should be capable of independently designing and executing experimental research, while collaborating within a multidisciplinary team.
Parkinson’s Disease is the fastest growing neurodegenerative condition worldwide. This post offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at transforming our understanding of Parkinson’s.
The JPND-funded 4DPD-Omics consortium is an international collaboration of experts in α-Synuclein biochemistry, neuroanatomy, neuropathology, disease modelling, spatial and single-cell omics, bioinformatics, and systems biology.
The project will utilise well-characterized preclinical models and clinically annotated human post-mortem samples. Advanced spatial transcriptomics, mass spectrometry, and CellDIVE multiplexing platforms will be employed to map whole transcriptome and proteome changes at spatial and single-cell resolution over time.
Key objectives include:
* Correlating cellular transcriptome/proteome changes with α-Syn pathology progression.
* Identifying biomarkers, pathways, and master regulators in susceptible and resistant cell subtypes.
* Validating findings in clinical samples using high-resolution multiplexing approaches.
* Systematically investigating disease pathways in the context of cell-type-specific responses.
Specifically, the duties of the post are:
* Prepare and process tissue slices from pre-clinical models and human post mortem samples for spatial/single-cell analyses.
* Lead high-throughput spatial transcriptomics studies using the GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler.
* Implement and optimise spatial single-cell transcriptomics/proteomics techniques.
* Perform multiplexed immunofluorescence imaging (MxIF) and CellDIVE hyperplexing.
* Analyse spatial transcriptomics and proteomics data sets.
* Collaborate closely with RCSI researchers and external partners.
* Troubleshoot experimental challenges and maintain meticulous experimental records.
* Communicate results through scientific publications and presentations.
* Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines for animal research.
* Undergo training and professional development activities as required.
Qualifications – (Essential):
* PhD (or submitted PhD thesis) in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or related discipline.
* Demonstrated expertise in spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing.
* Experience in translational research in neurodegenerative diseases.
* Demonstrated expertise in high-throughput spatial transcriptomics experiments.
* Proficiency in high-resolution molecular imaging techniques.
* Experience with tissue processing for advanced molecular analysis.
* Ability to analyze complex experimental data.
* Understanding of Parkinson’s Disease or related neurodegenerative conditions.
* Strong track record of impactful research.
* Excellent writing, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
* Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
* A collaborative mindset.
We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
Application Process
Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal before the closing date with your CV and cover letter detailing your applicable experience.
Employee Benefits
* Minimum of 20 days annual leave, plus an additional 6.5 Privilege days.
* Flexible/hybrid working options.
* 7% Employer pension contribution.
* Onsite gym.
* Childcare support.
* Free eye test and annual flu vaccination.
* TaxSaver commuter tickets and Bike to Work schemes.
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