Research Assistant (x 2)
Regulating Immunogenicity and Tolerogenicity through Cell Surface Glycosylation (Acronym: Glycoshield)
Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine
Ref. No. NUIG-126-12
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for two, 1-year, full-time Research Assistant positions with
the Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine and the Glycoscience Research Group, School of Natural
Sciences at the National University of Ireland, Galway.
These positions are funded by a Science Foundation Ireland TIDA (Technology and Innovation Development Award)
and are available from 01/02/2013.
The successful candidates will evaluate the potential of a yet untapped strategy to prevent host immunostimulation in
response to an allogeneic cell or tissue transplant. Immune responses against allogeneic cell or tissue transplants
have to be controlled by immunosuppressive therapy. This has profound side effects which still prevents its routine
clinical application. The project will focus on cellular glycoengineering to coat the cell surface with glycan epitopes that
are seen as self by the recipient host and therefore do not elicit immune stimulation. The project will also alter cell
surface sialic acid content of bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) in order to evaluate their immune
properties ex-vivo and in-vivo. Glyco-engineered BMDCs will be separately co-cultured with fluorescently labelled
lymphocytes from allogeneic donors to assess the impact of glyco-engineering on lymphocytes.
Research environment
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 boasts a state-of-the-art research infrastructure including imaging,
histology, flow cytometry, molecular biology, gene vector and mammalian cell culture core facilities which are
coordinated by a team of fully trained technical support staff.
The Glycoscience Research Group,
http://ncbes.eurhost.net/glycoscience-group.aspx headed by Professor Lokesh Joshi is using state of the art
glycoanalytical techniques to understand the role of glycoscience in novel therapeutic technologies. Alongside
standard HPLC and mass-spectometry analysis the group has developed novel high-throughput, microarray based
glycan profiling methods.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have a M.Sc. in the biological sciences. The ideal candidate would have experience in cell biology
(isolation and cell culture of immune cells), biotechnology, immunology, molecular biology and experience in
glycobiology would also be an advantage. Experience of pre-clinical procedures, cell culture and basic immunological
assays is desirable but not mandatory. Candidates should have excellent communication and organizational skills; be
highly motivated and passionate about developing new products.
Salary: €21,865 - €25,425 (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).
Start date: Position is available from February 2013.
Further information about the Regenerative Medicine Institute is available at http://www.nuigalway.ie/remedi/
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr. Thomas Ritter thomas.ritter@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 Iain Shaw (iain.shaw@nuigalway.ie)
Please put reference number NUIG-126-12 in subject line of e-mail application or by post to Dr. Iain Shaw,
Glycoscience Research Group, NCBES, National University of Ireland, Galway.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm on Friday 1st February 2013
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.