POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
Mechanism of Action of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and
Midwifery
Ref. No. NUIG 089-15
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed-term position as a
Postdoctoral Researcher with the Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine at the
National University of Ireland, Galway.
This position is funded by a new European Community Collaborative Project, NEPHSTROM (Novel
Stromal Cell Therapy for Diabetic Kidney Disease), under Horizon 2020 call PHC-13-2014. The
position is available for three years from 1st September 2015 to project end date of 31st August
2018, subject to initial one year probationary period’
Information on project and research centre: Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) is the single
leading cause of kidney failure in the industrialised world, accounting for ~40% of new cases in the
EU and US. The five year mortality rate is 39% – a rate comparable to many cancers. In spite of its
enormous social and economic cost, there have been no specific therapies successfully developed
for DKD in the past 25 years. NEPHSTROM brings together key leaders in the clinical treatment of
chronic kidney disease, leading researchers of the mechanisms of diabetic complications and
experts in cell therapy development with the overarching goal of developing a new treatment for
DKD based on the administration of allogeneic (unrelated donor) stromal stem cells to modulate
the pathogenesis.
The Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) was established in 2004 and is recognized as
the leading stem cell research institute in Ireland. Over 150 researchers work to translate basic
research findings to clinical applications specifically in the areas of orthopaedics, vascular biology
and transplantation. REMEDI has state-of-the-art research infrastructure including bio-resource,
imaging, histology, flow cytometry, molecular biology, gene vector and cell culture core facilities
which are coordinated by a team of experienced technical support staff.
Job Description: The successful candidate will conduct a project to investigate the mechanism of
action of allogeneic stromal stem cells in modulating the pathogenesis of DKD in pre-clinical
models and human subjects participating in the NEPHSTROM clinical trial. The project will also
focus on the development of biomarker-based assays to predict and quantify allogeneic stromal
stem cell efficacy and immunogenicity in DKD. For this project, the researcher will collaborate with
researchers at NEPHSTROM partner sites in Germany, Italy and the UK.
Qualifications: Applicants should hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline.
Essential requirements will be strong research experience in laboratory-based cellular and
molecular biology, in the development and application of immunological assays using multiple
platforms and in the analysis of human biological samples. Candidates should also have a strong
publication record of relevance to the project, have excellent data analysis, communication and
organizational skills and be highly motivated and passionate about translational research. Other
desirable characteristics include scientific knowledge/research experience related to stem cell
biology, immunology/inflammation or diabetes pathophysiology.
Salary: €37,750 per annum
(public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply)
Start date: Position is available from 1st September 2015.
Further information on research at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Further information about REMEDI is available at http://www.nuigalway.ie/remedi/.
Informal enquiries may be made Prof. Matthew Griffin matthew.griffin@nuigalway.ie
To Apply: Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees
should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Dr. Grace Davey (grace.davey@nuigalway.ie)
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Friday 31st July 2015.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.