Postdoctoral Researcher position in RNA-based therapeutics for sepsis

16 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University College Cork

Department

Pharmaceutics

Research Field

Chemistry » Biochemistry
Biological sciences
Pharmacological sciences
Engineering » Biomedical engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Ireland

Application Deadline

22 Mar 2024 - 17:00 (Europe/Dublin)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

HE / ERC

Reference Number

074931

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Postdoctoral Researcher position in RNA-based therapeutics for sepsis (1 yr) - Laboratory for smart drug delivery technologies at the School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland

We are looking for an exceptionally enthusiastic, creative, and driven Postdoctoral Researcher with a passion for interdisciplinary science and a desire to apply their unique talents to high-impact work aimed at improving human health, to join the laboratory of Dr. Piotr S. Kowalski at the School of Pharmacy at UCC. Dr. Kowalski’s research spans multiple disciplines and will allow candidates to develop their skills in a variety of areas, including  RNA delivery, polymer synthesis, nanomaterials design, circular RNA engineering and gene therapy.

Project focuses on engineering RNA-based therapeutics for the treatment of sepsis and is supported by a an Emerging Investigator Award for Health (Health Research Board). This project aims to explore the therapeutic potential of RNA molecules (such as short interfering RNAs and messenger RNAs) to treat and prevent multiple organ failure during sepsis. It will also develop new polymers and nano-sized particles to deliver these new class of RNA-based drugs to cells in lungs and kidneys. The candidate will lead the work on developing and evaluation of novel biomaterials and nanocarriers. Successful candidates will work in a cross-disciplinary research team and will interact closely with a group of collaborators supporting this work, comprised of immunologists, vascular biologist and clinical scientists.

• Candidates with a Ph.D. degree in, organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical and biomedical engineering, or a related field are highly encouraged to apply
• Experience in one or more of the following areas will be desirable:  polymer/lipid synthesis, organic synthesis, RNA delivery, data-driven material design (Quality by design, design of experiments, machine learning),  controlled radical polymerization, bioconjugation, nanoparticle formulation and characterisation, and animal work
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in international scientific journals
• Prior practical laboratory experience and the capability to work independently
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute in a multidisciplinary team setting
• Excellent oral/written communication skills
• Availability to start in Spring 2024 will be an advantage

About Dr. Piotr S. Kowalski (PI):  I am a biochemist by training with a passion for interdisciplinary biomedical research and entrepreneurship. I have completed my scientific training in five different countries, including Poland (Jagiellonian University), the Netherlands (Groningen University), and USA (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). I have 12 years of mentoring, teaching, and leadership experience both in academic and industrial settings. My current work resulted in over twenty published research articles, the invention of four patents on drug delivery technologies, and the creation of a Cambridge-based biotech startup. I have recently won a highly prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Starting grant to elucidate the therapeutic potential of the new class of circular RNAs. I am also member of the GENEGUT EU consortium aiming to create first-in-class oral RNA therapyFor more information please refer to:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/piotr-kowalski-2715957b/ http://research.ucc.ie/profiles/C019/[email protected]

About the University College Cork: UCC is a leading Irish university with an international reputation in innovation, and entrepreneurship. It is ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide based on the quality of its research outputs and peer esteem indicators and was the first University to be named The Sunday Times University of the Year for two consecutive years (2016 and 2017). UCC has a vibrant research community of almost 3,500 postgraduate students and over 250 postdoctoral researchers, across all the major academic disciplines. UCC has active postdoctoral associations and programs that aim to provide support for all aspects of a postdoc’s career, including professional development training and everyday work. UCC is the host and partner of leading Irish research centres, including APC Microbiome Ireland SFI Research Centre and Tyndall National Institute providing the access to state-of-the-art research expertise and core facilities.  School of Pharmacy was ranked in the top 100 (66th) in the QS World Rankings by Subject in 2022 and is a part of the College of Medicine and Health, a very interactive environment with multidisciplinary academic teams providing plenty of opportunities to network with world-class scientists and clinicians. UCC is an accredited research organisation and as such can form hosting agreements with third country nationals (and non-EEA nationals) for the purpose of conducting research in the University.

Project Title: Engineering RNA-based therapeutics for treatment of sepsis and sepsis induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

Post Duration: 1 year

Salary: €42,781 - €49,177p.a. (IUA PD1 Salary Scale)

For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/ .

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Piotr Kowalski, PhD, School of Pharmacy, Email: [email protected] .  Please include “Postdoc in RNA therapeutics” in the subject line of your email.

Requirements
Additional Information
Additional comments

Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/ ). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to [email protected] , quoting the job-title and project name.

Please include in your application a CV, including contact details of at least two referees, and a cover letter.

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday, the 15th March 2024

No late applications will be accepted.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.  As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively. UCC is committed to being an employer that recognises the value of diversity amongst its staff.  We encourage applicants to consult our policies at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/policies/  and initiatives at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/implementation/  and we welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

UCC

Country

Ireland

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Cork

Website

http://www.ucc.ie/en/pharmacy/

Street

Cavanagh Pharmacy Building

STATUS: EXPIRED