Research Assistant-Technical, Department of Physiology

6 Months, Fixed-term, Whole-time Post

Position Summary

The Cystic Fibrosis Gene Editing Group

For more than a decade, Patrick Harrison has led a small enthusiastic team of researchers in the development of gene editing strategies to correct CF-causing mutations. Following the lab’s breakthrough study using ZFNs (Lee 2012; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23514673 ), the group adopted CRISPR in 2013 and have subsequently applied a variety of different strategies including HDR (Hollywood 2016; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27557525 ; Santos 2021; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34103250 ) and targeted excision (Sanz 2017; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28863137 ). More recent projects have focused on base editing (Mention 2019; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31117296 ) and prime editing (Scholefield 2021; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34031549 ). The group comprises 1.5 FTE post-docs and 2 PhD students, who are supported by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the CF Trust (UK) and CF Foundation (USA). The group has extensive collaborations with CF research groups in the UK, EU and USA (http://publish.ucc.ie/researchprofiles/C008/pharrison ).

Project Details

CRISPR gene editing by homology directed repair (HDR) can potentially be used to treat a wide range of genetic disorders including CF, but must create a double-stranded break to do this. As an alternative, we are using CRISPR Prime to repair CF causing mutations without the need for these double-stranded breaks.

The Candidate

The ideal will have a BSc in Health Sciences or related discipline with previous research lab experience in at least one of the following techniques: recombinant DNA technology, PCR and DNA sequence analysis, and/or mammalian cell culture. Previous experience of supporting an academic research lab and a good working knowledge of CRISPR is essential. The successful applicant will work alongside with and provide technical support to the researchers on CF gene editing projects in the lab*.*

Post Duration: 6 Months

Salary: €29,275 - €39,158 p.a. (IUA Salary Scale)

Project Title: CRISPR gene editing and cystic fibrosis

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

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Patrick Harrison, Senior Lecturer, Department of Physiology, Tel: + 353 (0) 21 490 1405; Email: [email protected]

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 Thursday, 8 June 2023. 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.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER