PDR, Apoptosis Research Centre (ARC), (University of Galway 127-23)

Postdoctoral Researcher 

Apoptosis Research Centre (ARC) 

College of Science & Engineering  

Ref. No. University of Galway 127-23 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full time fixed term position as a postdoctoral researcher working within Prof. Afshin Samali’s Laboratory based at the Apoptosis Research Centre at the University of Galway. 

This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland through Precision Oncology Ireland and is available from  June 2023 to 31 Dec 2024. 

Organisation: Prof Samali’s research team is located at the Biomedical Sciences Building at University of Galway. His research is focused on the mechanisms of cell death and survival signalling, with particular interest in cell stress response pathways in cancer. The research programme has broad relevance and has potential implications for the treatment of cancers. The successful candidate will report to Prof Afshin Samali. 

The project: 

The primary objective of this project is to investigate the biology of IRE1 with particular focus on its role in cancer cells. IRE1 is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensor and key signal transducer that promotes cell survival in response to ER stress. IRE1 has an endoribonuclease activity that can cleave microRNAs and mRNAs resulting in post-transcriptional regulation of biological responses. IRE1 RNase activates two downstream pathways, one leading to the maturation of the XBP1s transcription factor and the other leading to the regulated IRE1-dependent decay (RIDD) of select RNAs. IRE1 is constitutively active in solid tumours including triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and this activity is linked to poor prognosis. We have shown that the XBP1s arm of IRE1 activity promotes cell survival and control secretion of pro-survival/pro-tumorigenic factors in TNBC (Logue et al. Nature Communications 2018, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05763-8).  

By contrast, the RIDD aspect of IRE1 biology is poorly understood. We recently demonstrated that degradation of DGAT2 mRNA by IRE1 can regulate lipid metabolism breast cancer (Almanza et al Nature Communications 2022, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30159-0). The aim of this project is to identify and characterized novel RNA substrates of IRE1 that play a role in cancer. We will take a cell and molecular biology approach, using cell lines derived from relevant cancers to investigate the impact of RIDD on cancer cell biology, including cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, cell migration and invasion, impact on immune signalling and on immune-based therapies, impact on the secretome and on cellular metabolism.  

Job description: 

We are seeking a candidate who is enthusiastic, highly motivated, responsible, dedicated to science, good at problem solving, with excellent organizational skills and effective at working independently, while also collaborating and assisting the team in its collective research goals. They should have outstanding organizational skills, the ability to effectively present results and conclusions to co-workers, collaborators and manager. Ability to work well under pressure and drive personal and team objectives. Excellent attention to detail and ability to work on multiple projects is expected.  

The successful candidate will work in the Apoptosis Research Centre under the supervision of Professor Afshin Samali to investigate the IRE1 biology and function and to delineate its downstream signalling. There will be a specific focus on characterizing novel substrates of IRE1 RNase activity and determining the biological role for RIDD in cancer. The successful candidate will provide support for the development and implementation of Prof Samali’s research programme on IRE1 biology and function.  

Duties:  

Research 

Conduct a specified programme of research on IRE1 biology and function in the context of cancer cells. This will be done under the supervision and direction of your Principal Investigator. 

Define research objectives and proposals for your research in line with research strategy whilst contributing to the research programme of Prof Samali’s group. This will be under general guidance of a member of your Principal Investigator 

Conduct individual and/or collaborative research projects in laboratory setting 

Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support as appropriate. 

Plan, co-ordinate and implement research project (this may include managing a small research team/coordinating other researcher activity). Analysis and interpretation of results of own research 

Work with other project partners within Precision Oncology Ireland as the project requires 

Keep up to date with research related methods and techniques, in particular, developments in the specific research area. 

Collaborate with colleagues on areas of shared research interest. 

To have knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and procedures, relevant to the role, this may include broader University/ sector/ external sponsor or funder (e.g. Commercial Awareness, Research Ethics, Knowledge Transfer, Patents, Intellectual Property Rights, Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities & Diversity). 

Where appropriate, work with PI to register patents to protect intellectual property (including consult with University of Galway’s Technology Transfer Office representatives for the identification and protection of intellectual property generated by the research programme, draft IDFs and help prepare patent documents) 

Present updates on research progress and outcomes to others responsible for the research project. 

Dissemination 

Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research with the support of and under the supervision of your Principal Investigator. 

Write up results from own research activity (e.g. as project report) for review by PI, including preparing technical reports, conclusions and recommendations. 

Contribute to the publication of findings, including submission process and response to reviewers’ comments. 

Provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, book) as directed by the PI/project leader. Authorship should be decided in line with guidelines such as the Vancouver Protocol, or similar authorship guidelines as appropriate. 

Present on research progress and outcomes, e.g., to bodies supervising research; conferences, steering groups; other team members, as agreed with the PI / project leader. 

Attend, contribute and network at relevant meetings/conferences and meeting hosted by relevant professional institutions and other universities as appropriate 

Lead the writing of at least one international peer-review journal publication, as well as contributing to other peer reviewed publications (report, papers, chapters) on a regular basis. 

Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations / commercial exploitation. 

Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity. 

Communicate their research with their peers 

Research Administration 

To complete the administrative work to support the programme of research 

Maintain appropriate records as directed and in line with Funder/University policy. 

To contribute to costing research grant proposals and assist in the financial management of a research project. 

To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post. 

Manage own personal and research resources (including where required, laboratories, and specialist equipment) appropriately. 

Manage own research budget, if any, and keep records as directed and in line with Funder/University policy as appropriate. 

Know the legal requirements regarding data protection and confidentiality data protection requirements 

Provide guidance as required to any support staff and/or research students assisting with the research project, as agreed with the Principal Investigator/Grant holder. 

Provide scientific input to project design, budgeting, impact for new funding applications, requiring strong scientific writing skills 

Manage the post-award phase of ongoing projects and successful proposals, including ensuring timely scientific/technical and financial reporting 

Work with Research Accounts Office and Procurement Office and external funding agencies as required and to manage the financial accounts for the research group 

Essential Requirements:  

PhD in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or a relevant discipline 

Demonstrable experience in both independent and collaborative research 

Technical expertise in cell biology and molecular biology methodologies such as cell culture, transfection, enzyme assays, immunoblotting, PCR, work with RNA 

Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English language), including evidence of proficiency in scientific research writing such as manuscripts or funding proposals 

Evidence of scientific research publication and dissemination of results at conferences 

Track record of demonstrable accomplishments in cell biology/biochemistry/similar biological research 

Self-motivated and capable of working on own initiative 

Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills combined with a proven ability to work well in a team and to develop collaborative relationships with a broad range of stakeholders 

Desirable Requirements:  

Experience of research in at least one of the following: Cellular Stress, Endoplasmic Reticulum stress, Unfolded Protein Response, or RNA biology 

Appropriate supervisory experience may be an advantage 

Success in writing/acquiring research funding 

Experience of peer-reviewing research manuscripts for scientific journals or research proposals for funding agencies 

Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post  

Salary: €42,032 to €47,105 per annum pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).  

Start date: Position is available from  June 2023 

Continuing Professional Development/Training: 

The University of Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia.  Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment – see www.universityofgalway.ie/rdc  for further information.' 

Further information on research and working at University of Galway is available on Research at University of Galway  

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie   

Further information about Precision Oncology Ireland is available here . 

Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Professor Afshin Samali  

NB: Garda vetting may be required for this post (as appropriate to Child Protection Policy) 

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 Prof. Afshin Samali: [email protected]  

Please put reference number University of Galway 127-23 in subject line of e-mail application. 

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm 9th June 2023 

We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post. 

The University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer. 

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment