Postdoctoral Researcher - Bone Mechanobiology
Biomedical Engineering
College of Engineering and Informatics
Ref. No. NUIG 83-15
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-term fixed term position as a
Postdoctoral Researcher in Bone Mechanobiology within the Biomechanics Research Centre
(BMEC), Biomedical Engineering at the College of Engineering and Informatics, National University
of Ireland, Galway. This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and the European
Regional Development Fund and is available from 1st September 2015 to the 31st August 2017.
Bone is an adaptive tissue that has the capacity to continuously renew and repair itself throughout
life in response to the mechanical demands on the tissue. Disease and injuries can impair this
process leading to severe bone fractures, pain and immobility. Mechanobiology is an emerging
field at the interface of biology and engineering, which seeks to understand the mechanisms by
which biological cells sense and respond to mechanical signals. Dr. McNamara’s research group
use multidisciplinary approaches to derive understanding of bone mechanobiology and how this
process contributes to development, physiology and bone disease. Through these studies, it is
becoming increasingly clear that mechanobiological processes are fundamental to normal bone
physiology and may also play an important role in the aetiology of osteoporosis. However,
mechanobiological responses have not been targeted as treatments for osteoporosis.
The proposed program of research will provide new information that can inform the generation of
novel therapeutic approaches for osteoporosis. This research will be conducted using the
equipment, technical expertise, office and research space, within the College of Engineering and
Informatics, the BioSciences Research Building (BRB) and the National Centre for Biomedical
Engineering Sciences (NCBES) at NUI Galway. The new 14,000m2 Engineering building houses
state-of-the-art Biomedical Engineering facilities including cell culture laboratories, biomechanical
testing laboratories, research space and computer suites. The BioSciences Research Building
incorporates 8,000m2 of laboratory space for over 300 researchers from eminent NUI Galway
research groups working in the areas of cancer research, regenerative medicine and cell and
molecular biology. These complement facilities at the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering
Sciences (NCBES).
Job Description:
The successful candidate will investigate the effect of modulating mechanoreceptors and key
mechanotransduction proteins in bone cells from normal and osteoporotic human and animal
tissue. This research will establish the effectiveness of modulating the mechanotransduction
response in an animal model of osteoporosis. The work involves in vitro cell culture,
immunocytochemistry, molecular studies of gene and protein expression (RT-PCR, Western
Blotting, ELISA), development of mechanobiology-based therapeutics, use of osteoporotic rat
models and tissue histology. Prior research experience and strong experimental techniques in cell
culture, tissue histology, gene and protein expression, animal handling and development of
therapeutics are highly desired.
Duties:
 In vitro cell culture studies
 Bioreactor and Parallel plate flow studies
 Development of Mechanobiology-based therapeutics
 Studies of gene and protein expression
 Tissue histology and immunohistochemistry
 Laboratory management
 Publication of research
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have a track record in a research and development environment and
strong Cell Biology (Mechanobiology) or Pharmaceutical Science experience is essential.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in the Biomedical Engineering/Biomedical Science or related
sciences. The ideal candidate would have experience in cell biology, molecular biology, histology,
immunohistochemistry and pharmaceutical development, as evidenced by a publication record.
Candidates should have excellent communication and organizational skills; be highly motivated
and passionate about research; and have strong documentation, oral and interpersonal skills.
Salary: €37,750 - €46,255 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will
apply)
Start date: Position is available from 1st September 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 Biomedical Engineering is available at www.bmec.ie
(Informal enquiries concerning
Laoise.McNamara@nuigalway.ie
the
post
may
be
made
to
Dr.
Laoise
McNamara,
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 Laoise.McNamara@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG 83-15 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm July 3rd 2015
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.