Postdoctoral Researcher – Cell Therapy for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
School of Medicine
Ref. No. NUIG-019-15
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position as a
postdoctoral researcher with the Discipline of Anaesthesia at the National University of Ireland,
Galway.
This position is funded by the European Research Council and is available from 1st April 2015 to
contract end date of 31st December 2015.
The Lung Biology Group at NUI Galway is a team of scientists and clinicians focusing on disease
processes and novel therapeutics in the pulmonary and respiratory fields. Under European
Research Council (ERC) funding, recent studies in our laboratory have demonstrated a beneficial
effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
models. The Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland (CCMI), based on the NUI Galway campus, is
licensed to manufacture medical standard MSCs derived from a bone marrow source. Further ERC
funding has been secured under the Proof of Concept scheme to evaluate the therapeutic benefits
of this medical grade cell therapy product in comparison to the previous, laboratory prepared, MSC
source. A full pre-clinical evaluation of the CCMI MSC will demonstrate retention of MSC efficacy
when produced by this protocol, validating not only the CCMI production process but also the
feasibility of advancing the CCMI MSC to Phase I/II clinical trials in ARDS patients.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will perform and/or assist the Lung Biology Group team in the completion
of the pre-clinical assessment of the CCMI MSC in ARDS models.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have a track record in a research and development environment and
strong animal model experience is essential. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in the biological/health
sciences. The ideal candidate would have experience in:
o Rodent injury models (rat)
o Cell culture
o ELISA
o Report writing
o Sectioning/histology
o Regulatory affairs
o Supervision of postgraduate students
Candidates should have excellent communication and organizational skills; be highly motivated
and passionate about developing new products; and have strong documentation, oral and
interpersonal skills.
Salary: €37,750 per annum
(public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply)
Start date: Position is available from 1st April 2015.
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI
Galway
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Further information about our school is available at www.nuigalway.ie/anaesthesia
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr
(daniel.otoole@nuigalway.ie) or Prof John Laffey (john.laffey@nuigalway.ie).
Daniel
O’Toole
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 Daniel O’Toole (daniel.otoole@nuigalway.ie)
Please put reference number NUIG-019-15 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Friday 24th February 2015.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.