Organisation/Company: University College Cork
Department: HR Research
Research Field: Medical sciences » Other
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
Positions: Master Positions
Country: Ireland
Application Deadline: 31 Mar 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
Applications are invited for the position of Research Assistant - Laboratory for smart drug delivery technologies at the School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland. We are looking for an exceptionally enthusiastic, creative, and driven Research Assistant 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 laboratory of Dr. Piotr S. Kowalski at the School of Pharmacy at UCC. Dr. Kowalski’s research spans multiple disciplines and will allow candidates to develop skills in a variety of areas, including RNA engineering, RNA delivery, nanomaterials design, and gene therapy.
This position will support projects focusing on engineering circular RNA-based therapeutics for the treatment of sepsis funded by European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant. This project aims to explore the therapeutic potential of circular RNA molecules to treat and prevent multiple organ failure during sepsis. Successful candidates will work closely with a cross-disciplinary team of PhDs and collaborators comprised of immunologists, vascular biologists, RNA biologists, and clinical scientists. Responsibilities will include formulation, characterization, and in vivo testing of RNA nanoparticles, polymer synthesis, molecular biology assay development, RNA synthesis, and purification using chromatography, high throughput in vitro and in vivo screening of nanocarriers.
Project Title: Engineering circular RNA-based therapeutics for treatment of sepsis-associated organ failure.
Post Duration: 1.5 Years, Whole-Time Post
Key Duties and Responsibilities
* To work under the direction of the Principal Investigator/Project Leader.
* To provide assistance in conducting research activities, including planning, organizing, conducting, and communicating research studies within the overall scope of a research project.
* To coordinate and perform a variety of independent and team activities involved in the collection, analysis, documentation, and some interpretation of information/results.
* To undertake tasks which may include recording results and preparing technical reports including conclusions and recommendations.
* To present information on research progress and outcomes to others responsible for the research project.
* To provide guidance as required to any support staff and/or research students assisting with the research project.
* Ideally to contribute to the publication of findings.
* To confer with the Principal Investigator in developing plans for research projects and to discuss the interpretation of results and the preparation of manuscripts for publication.
* To perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
Specific Requirements
* A graduate qualification in a field of discipline relevant to the area of investigation i.e. BSc or MSc. Candidates with a Bachelor/Master’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedical or chemical engineering, or a related field are highly encouraged to apply.
* Some research experience is desirable.
* Good report writing and presentation skills.
* Previous laboratory experience and practices are desired.
* Good analytical skills and computer skills.
* An ability to work independently to a tight schedule.
* Capability of working effectively within a team to achieve results.
* Evidence of excellent organisational and communication skills.
* High levels of initiative are encouraged.
* The successful candidate will be required to contribute to the APC’s Public Engagement programme, by being involved in science-related dissemination activities for the public and schools.
* Prospective candidates should have prior practical laboratory experience and be willing to work with animals.
* Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute in a multidisciplinary team setting.
* Experience in one or more of the following areas will be beneficial but is not mandatory: animal work, nanoparticle formulation and characterization, cell culture, RNA and protein expression analysis, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, molecular cloning, bioinformatics, chemical synthesis, and flow cytometry.
* Availability to start in spring/summer 2025 will be an advantage.
Please note that Garda vetting and international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr