UNIVERSITY OF DUBLIN
TRINITY COLLEGE
Website: http://www.medicine.tcd.ie/surgery/
Department of Clinical Surgery,
Trinity Centre for Health Sciences,
St James’s Hospital,
Dublin 8
RE: Research Assistant Position in the Department of Surgery, Institute of
Molecular Medicine, St. James’s Hospital/Trinity College Dublin.
Post Specification:
Post Status: 1-year contract (funded through Health Research Board HRA)
Department/Faculty: Department of Surgery, School of Medicine
Location: Institute of Molecular Medicine, St. James’s Hospital/Trinity College
Dublin
Salary: Research Assistant, Point 12 (€30,200)
Background to the Post:
Our research group have a strong interest in the role of cyclooxygenase signalling in
the development and progression of G.I. cancers, particularly oesophageal cancer. We
are especially interested in examining the angiogenic mechanisms linked to COX
signalling in oesophageal cancer development, with a view to targeting the
cyclooxygenase pathway as an anti-angiogenic approach for chemoprevention.
Post Summary:
This research project will examine the potential of a novel anti-angiogenic approach
of PGE2 receptor (EP) antagonism as for the chemoprevention of oesophageal
adenocarcinoma. The anti-angiogenic potential of EP blockade will be assessed invivo using a transgenic zebrafish model (in collaboration with Dr. Breandan Kennedy,
Conway Institute, UCD), while anti-angiogenic mechanisms will be identified using
human 3D explant cultures. The anti-tumour potential of EP blockade will be
examined in cell lines representing Barretts’ oesophagus (the early pre-cancerous
lesion) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) using in-vitro functional studies
(proliferation, invasion, migration). Angiogenic gene expression profiles following
treatment will be determined using PCR arrays and validated in RNA from Barrett’s
and OAC patients.
This is a unique research opportunity to work as part of a dynamic, well-established
research group of approximately 20 scientific and clinical researchers. This position
will be funded by a HRB Health Research Award on point 12 of the research
assistants’ scale. Any experience in the areas of imaging/confocal microscopy,
cell/tissue culture, xCELLigence platforms, ELISA, and real-time PCR would be an
advantage and should be highlighted in a covering letter.
Requirements:
B.Sc. in Biological Sciences or relevant discipline.
Highly motivated, with the ability to work independently.
Closing Date for Applications: 5pm on Friday the 30th of August 2013
Applicants should send a curriculum vitae and covering letter to:
Dr. Mary-Clare Cathcart, PhD.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow,
Dept. Surgery,
Institute of Molecular Medicine,
Trinity Health Sciences Centre,
St. James’s Hospital/Trinity College Dublin,
Dublin 8,
IRELAND.
Phone: (01) 8962470
E-mail: cathcarm@tcd.ie