Research Assistant - Bone Mechanobiology
Biomedical Engineering,
College of Engineering and Informatics
Ref. No. NUIG 81-15
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-term fixed term position as a
Research Assistant 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. Osteoporosis 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. This
program of research will derive new information to 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, micro-CT scanning, microscopy,
research space and computer suites. The BioSciences Research Building incorporates 8,000m2 of
high-end 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 work on a project to establish the effectiveness of modulating the
mechanotransduction response for preventing bone loss and fracture in an animal model of
osteoporosis. The work involves tissue-architecture characterisation using micro-CT scanning,
tissue composition characterisation, mechanical characterization on bone tissue from osteoporotic
rat models. Prior research experience and strong experimental techniques in Micro-CT scanning,
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Real time Reverse Transcription Polymerase
Chain Reaction (Real time RT-PCR), mechanical testing of biological tissues, animal handling and
tissue dissection are highly desired.
Duties:
•
•
•
•
In vivo and ex-vivo Micro-CT scanning of osteoporotic bone
Mechanical testing of osteoporotic bone
Tissue Dissection and Histology/Immunohistochemistry
Assistance with some laboratory management
Qualifications:
Applicants must have an Undergraduate Degree in Biomedical Engineering/Biomedical Science or
a related discipline. The ideal candidate would have experience in any of the following techniques:
cell culture, micro-CT scanning, mechanical testing of biological tissues, tissue analysis.
Candidates should have excellent communication and organizational skills; be highly motivated
and passionate about research; and have strong documentation, oral and interpersonal skills.
Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post
Salary: €21,850 - €23,876 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 {school/centre} is available at www.bmec.ie
(Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to
Laoise.McNamara@nuigalway.ie
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 81-15 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.