Research Assistant Position-Tumor Biologist
Location: Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) &
Centre for Systems Medicine (CSM)
Reporting to: Dr Annette Byrne (Senior Lecturer)
Background: The research group of Dr Annette Byrne at the RCSI Centre for Systems Medicine (CSM)
and the Department of Physiology and Medical Physics is concerned with the pre-clinical development of
novel targeted anti-cancer therapeutics and biomarkers with a special interest in applying a multi-modality
molecular imaging approach towards elucidation of drug mechanism of action in vivo. We also have a
particular interest in the identification and screening of novel targets in vivo with specific expertise
implementing PDX models. In addition, we are also involved in the interrogation of new safety and efficacy
biomarkers for clinically approved targeted therapies. Technologies include optical and nuclear imaging
approaches and the development of imageable disease models. Our group works primarily on colorectal,
brain and breast malignancies. The group collaborates within large European clinical and preclinical
research networks funded by the European Union, Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Cancer
Society, as well as with key industry partners. The research infrastructure at the CSM includes IT support,
genomic and proteomic/RPPA analysis infrastructure, Cellomics and high throughput flow Cytometry,
confocal microscopy, microfluidics, multiphoton microscopy, ex vivo and 3-D sphere culture, and small
animal bioluminescence imaging facilities. We also have full access to pre-clinical PET/CT and ultrasound
imaging modalities and immunohistochemistry facilities.
Description of post: We seek to appoint a Research Assistant to support the PI and our small research
team of cancer biologists (Currently: 3 Postdoctoral scientists and 1 PhD student). The successful
candidate will support ongoing in vivo and in vitro studies in the cancer drug discovery/ biomarker area.
Activities will include assisting with cell culture and in vitro assays and performing all aspects of in vivo
tumor model studies. A small proportion of time will be dedicated to assisting the PI with administrative
duties.
RCSI: has 450 scientist and clinician researchers working in its research institute. The College has
invested €59 million of its own non-exchequer funding in research infrastructures, human resources and
research projects in the last 10 years. RCSI is among the top 50 most international universities in the world
(Times Higher Education University World Rankings, 2014-15). It is a not-for-profit health sciences
institution focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health
worldwide. RCSI is headquartered in the city centre of Dublin, which is continuously ranked as one of the
best cities to live in the world.
Career Development Opportunities: RCSI offers Career Development Opportunities for all its staff
members organised through the RCSI HR Department. The candidate will have significant opportunities for
travel and training and to be involved with industry engagement, significantly extending her/his career
opportunities.
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The position will be available from July 1st 2015 (or sooner).
Person Specification: Applicants must:
 Possess a BSc / MSc in zoology, physiology, molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, or a
related discipline
 Be fluent in spoken and written English
Applicants should have experience in several/most of the following areas:
*In Vivo Rodent Tumor Models
PDX models
*IV, PO (oral gavage) & IP routes of administration in vivo
In Vivo Imaging (BLI, CT, PET, US etc)
*Immunohistochemistry
*Cell Culture
Western Blotting, qPCR, ELISA assays
Protein extraction and quantification
Experience with preparation of In Vivo Research Ethics Applications
General Laboratory Management Skills
*Excellent Administrative Skills
*Familiarity with Microsoft Office
*Required Skill
The Applicant should also have a full ability & willingness to multi-task, possess excellent time-keeping
skills, be self-motivated and highly organized.
Salary: Commensurate with Experience. Appointment will be made at the appropriate level on the RCSI
Research Assistant salary scale. Initial one year contract will be offered with flexibility to extend.
Application procedure: Please send a CV and accompanying documentation (references, publications if
applicable) to Dr Annette Byrne (annettebyrne@rcsi.ie )
Closing date: Applications are reviewed at an ongoing basis but should be received no later than June
20th, 2015.
Other information: Further details can be obtained from Dr Annette Byrne at the email address provided
Relevant Websites:
https://research1.rcsi.ie/pi/annettebyrne/index.asp
www.angiopredict.com
www.coloforetell
www.europdx.eu
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