POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER –
NOVEL TOPICAL TREATMENT FOR INFLAMMATORY DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND EYE
USING VESICLES RELEASED FROM HUMAN MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS
Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and
Health Sciences
Ref. No. NUIG 77-13
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed term position as a
Postdoctoral Researcher with the Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine at the
National University of Ireland, Galway. This position is funded by the Health Research Board and is
available from October 1st 2013 to September 30th 2016.
The Project
Mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSCs) are a heterogeneous population of non-hematopoietic
cells with multi-lineage potential. Despite their regenerative potential, it has been also
demonstrated that MSCs possess immunomodulatory properties. Although MSCs have been
administered to many patients in various clinical trials the potential risks of cell-based therapies
such as immunogenicity or ectopic tissue formation by injected cells should not be underestimated.
Drugs which are derived from cells but are devoid of cellular components would be a major
breakthrough for therapeutic applications. Several studies have shown that extracellular vesicles
(exosomes) released from MSCs contributed to improve myocardial infarction or kidney injury,
however their role for the topical treatment of diabetes mediated skin ulcer or ocular surface
disorders is not known.
In this project exosomes will be purified from human MSCs and topically applied in pre-clinical
models for diabetes mediated skin ulcer and corneal surface disorders. Disease regression and
immunomodulatory effects resulting from this treatment will be analysed. Moreover, mechanistic
insights into to mode of action will be investigated. Finally it will be studied if exosomal
preparations derived from “licenced” hMSCs or gene-modified hMSCs expressing the
immunosuppressive protein PD-L1 will have enhanced therapeutic effects.
The Regenerative Medicine Institute
REMEDI was established in 2004 and is recognized as the leading stem cell research institute in
Ireland. Over 100 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.
Job Description
The main responsibilities of the post holder will be to isolate and characterise exosomes from
human MSCs, to perform the in vivo experiments and to carry out the subsequent detailed
analysis. In particular, the researcher will be responsible for the growth of human MSCs and the
isolation of exosomes and their in vitro characterisation. In addition, the researcher will apply
purified MSC-preparations in three in vivo models (diabetes mediated skin ulcer and corneal
surface disorders) which are established at NUI Galway. Moreover the researcher will extensively
investigate the therapeutic effects of exosome treatment in each model e.g. by analysing changes
in immunorelevant cell populations (Tregs, Teff, DCs, Monocytes/Macrophages) compared to
control groups by flow cytometry, PCR arrays and immunohistochemistry.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in the biological sciences. The researcher will require a prior
knowledge of the field (MSC biology/immunology) and must be competent with relevant pre-clinical
models. The ideal candidate would also have experience in cell biology (isolation and cell culture of
mesenchymal stem cells), immunology (mixed lymphocyte reaction, ELISA, multicolour flow
cytometry), molecular biology (microarrays) and immunohistochemistry. Candidates should have
excellent communication and organizational skills; be highly motivated and passionate about MSC
immunology research and have a substantial publication output.
Salary: €38,386 fixed per annum. (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will
apply)
Start date: Position is available from October 2013
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI
Galway
Further information about REMEDI is available at www.remedi.ie
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr.
thomas.ritter@nuigalway.ie or Prof. Matt Griffin matthew.griffin@nuigalway.ie
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 77-13 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Friday 20th September 2013.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.