Senior Research Fellow (Part Time)
Novel Therapeutic Approaches To Improve Corneal Allograft Survival By Cell And Gene Therapy
And Insights Into The Mechanism Of Action
School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Ref. No. NUIG-073-15
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a part-time (1.5 days/week) fixed
term position as a Senior Research Fellow, School of Medicine at the National University of
Ireland, Galway. This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and is available from 1st
August 2015.
The Project
This project addresses a key clinically relevant question, namely how corneal allograft survival can
be improved by novel cell- and gene-therapeutic approaches. Research using a corneal transplant
model in which key observations have been made by us, will continue to strengthen the path of this
research for the translation towards clinical trial. In addition, for an in-depth understanding of the
mechanisms involved in Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC)-mediated immunosuppression and
Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1)-induced immunomodulation, a corneal transplant model will
be established to capitalise on the availability of transgenic/knock-out models.
Job Description
The main responsibility of the post holder will be to perform pre-clinical experiments for this project.
In particular, the candidate will be responsible for performing the corneal transplant procedure in
rodents. This includes the securing of donor cornea, transplantation of donor cornea in suitable
recipients and follow-up monitoring of graft quality in transplanted animals. An experienced
researcher is requested to ensure the successful completion of the project milestones and
deliverables within the grant timeframe.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have a degree in medicine, preferably in ophthalmology. The candidate will
require a prior knowledge of corneal transplantation in rodents and must be competent with small
animal models. Prior experience with small animal surgery and maintenance is essential.
Candidates should have excellent communication and organizational skills; be highly motivated
and passionate about transplant immunology research leading to a clinical trial and have a
substantial publication output.
Salary: €65,000 fixed, per annum (pro rata, 1.5 days/week)
Start date: Position is available from August 2015
Further information about REMEDI is available at www.remedi.ie
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made
thomas.ritter@nuigalway.ie
to
Dr.
Thomas
Ritter
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 thomas.ritter@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG-073-15 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Friday 26th June 2015
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunity employer.