Candidate Brief for the position of:
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Investigation of Process Variability Arising
from Cell Culture Media
(Fixed Term Contract, 12 months, with potential for
extension)
NIBRT – The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training
Reference: CCLIPPD1
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NIBRT at a glance:
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The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) is a global
centre of excellence for training and research in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
NIBRT is located in a world class facility in Dublin, Ireland. This facility is purpose built
to closely replicate a modern bioprocessing plant with state-of the art equipment and
enables NIBRT to offer the highest quality training and research solutions.
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NIBRT's mission is to support the growth and development of all aspects of the
biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland by becoming the global leader in
biopharmaceutical manufacturing research, education and training. This mission will
be achieved by:
o Performing high impact, world class, industry aligned research in all aspects of
bioprocessing, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, therapeutic protein
characterisation, compliance and regulation.
o Designing, developing and delivering best-in-class education and training
solutions across all levels to national and international students and workforces.
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NIBRT actively collaborates with Irish, European and International universities and
higher education institutions on research programs funded through the receipt of
research awards from both national and European funding agencies.
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NIBRT interacts with numerous industrial clients through its training and research
offerings including Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Jansen Biologics, BioMarin, Eli Lilly, Sanofi
Genzyme, Merck & Co. Inc., Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Molecular Profiles, Roche,
Amgen, Sartorius Stedim Biotechnology, Waters Corporation, Agilent Technologies,
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Regeneron and Alexion.
For further information check out: www.nibrt.ie
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Characterisation and Comparability Laboratory:
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Located within the NIBRT Facility, the Characterisation and Comparability Laboratory
(CCL) aims to develop and apply key enabling analytical and bioanalytical technologies
to facilitate a better understanding of mammalian cell bioprocessing through
complete process and product characterisation.
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The CCL has access to state of the art analytical instrumentation, cell culture and
bioprocessing facilities at NIBRT, including high resolution accurate mass LC-QToF-MS
instruments, ultra high performance liquid chromatographs, capillary electrophoresis
and CE-QToF-MS instruments,

NIBRT actively collaborates with Irish, European and International universities and
higher education institutions on research programs funded through the receipt of
research awards from both national and European funding agencies.

NIBRT interacts with numerous industrial clients through its training and research
offerings including Pfizer, Jansen Biologics, BioMarin, Eli Lilly, Sanofi Genzyme, Merck
& Co. Inc., Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Roche, Amgen, Sartorius Stedim Biotechnology,
Waters Corporation, Agilent Technologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Philip Morris
International, Regeneron, Alexion.
For further information check out: www.nibrt.ie
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Job Description:
Role Overview:
The Characterisation and Comparability Laboratory at NIBRT is seeking a Postdoctoral
Researcher to work on the ‘Removing Process Variability from Biomanufacturing’ project
which is funded by Enterprise Ireland through the Innovation Partnership Scheme in
association with a large multinational biopharmaceutical client.
The ‘Removing Process Variability from Biomanufacturing’ project aims to identify sources of
variability within media used for mammalian cell bioprocessing to ultimately facilitate the
implementation of completely chemically defined media for continuous bioprocessing which
is capable of providing consistency with regard to cell viability, productivity and product
critical quality attributes.
The post holder will develop and apply untargeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry
(LC-MS) based methods and an advanced bioinformatics and statistical platform for the
identification of batch-to-batch alterations in the metabolome, peptidome and lipidome of
the media. The successful candidate will have strong foundations in analytical chemistry, with
demonstrated practical experience in LC-MS analysis of small molecules, peptides or lipids.
The post holder will be responsible for undertaking all associated laboratory works, technical
report writing, presentation of results at project meetings and publishing the generated data
in appropriate high impact journals.
This is a fixed term appointment for 12 months with the possibility for extension subject to
available funding which will run from the date of employment until the end of the purpose or
until the funding for this post comes to an end, whichever is sooner.
The successful candidate must have a PhD in analytical chemistry or a relevant and related
area with demonstrated experience in quantitative proteomics and will be based at the NIBRT
Facility, located at Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
Principal Accountabilities:
The key responsibilities of the job include:
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managing and conducting a specific programme of research under the leadership of
the Principal Investigator and/or Project Manager;
disseminating the outcomes of this research at project meetings, through written
reports and through publication in peer‐reviewed academic journals of international
standing;
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assisting in the further development of the research programme and in seeking and
pursuing appropriate external funding;
liaising with and performing on-site research with the industrial partner as required;
engaging in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as
determined by the Principal Investigator;
preparing and presenting progress reports and research findings to colleagues for
review purposes;
participating fully in the wider research and scholarly activities of the project within
the remit and restrictions of the appointed position;
carrying out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as
requested by the line manager;
comply with all NIBRT policies and regulations, including those in relation to Research
Ethics and Health and Safety.
Person Specification:
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the appropriate mix of knowledge, experience, skills,
talent and abilities as outlined below:
Knowledge:
 A PhD in analytical, bioanalytical chemistry or a relevant related discipline from an
approved degree awarding institution, ideally followed by relevant postdoctoral
research experience (essential).
 Knowledge of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based quantitative
proteomics or metabolomics, data processing and annotation, and associated
informatics (essential).
 Knowledge, as demonstrated through peer-reviewed publication, of the use of
quantitative LC-MS based proteomics or metabolomics to solve pressing biological
problems (essential).
Experience:
 Experience within the biopharmaceutical industry or a demonstrated understanding
of biomanufacturing processes including mammalian cell culture (desirable).
 Experience of working in multidisciplinary research teams (desirable).
 Project administration skills (desirable).
 Evidence of having secured competitive research funding (desirable).
Skills, talents and abilities:
 Commitment to research excellence (essential).
 Effective report writing, knowledge transfer and communication skills with the ability
to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences (essential).
 Self-motivated and ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team to an agreed
work plan (essential).
 Collaborative management skills would be an advantage (desirable).
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Eligibility to compete:
Citizenship / Permit Requirement:
Eligibility to compete is open to candidates who are citizens of the European Economic Area
(EEA) or Switzerland. The EEA comprises member states of the European Union along with
Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Other candidates may be eligible to compete subject to
their having or obtaining an appropriate work permit for the nature and duration of
the position.
Terms and conditions of employment:
A full statement of terms and conditions of employment will be given to the successful
candidate in accordance with Terms of Employment (Information) Acts 1994 and 2001.
Tenure:
This is a fixed term appointment for 12 months with the possibility for extension, which will
run from the date of employment until the end of the purpose or until the funding for this
post comes to an end, whichever is the sooner.
Application process:
Application components:
To apply for this position email your CV and covering letter in a single combined PDF
document to Ms. Barbara Keegan, HR Administrator (barbara.keegan@nibrt.ie). Applicants
should also include contact details for three referees, one of whom must be your current or
most recent employer. Candidates are advised to ensure the nominated referees are aware of
this requirement. The successful candidate will be required to supply parchments of degrees,
proof of PPS Number and a Certificate of Tax Free Allowance or P45 Form.
Closing date:
This position will remain open until filled, interested candidates are therefore encouraged to
apply early.
Further information:
For further information about this post please contact: jonathan.bones@nibrt.ie
Canvassing will automatically disqualify.
NIBRT is an equal opportunities employer.
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