UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1

Applications are invited for a Temporary post of a UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within Veterinary Medicine /Veterinary Biosciences

PEP-DELIVER  is a new project led by Professor David Brayden and funded by a Higher Education Authority (HEA)  North-South Strand I grant to further examine the capacity of silica-based nanoparticles to orally-deliver peptides. The project is a collaboration between the drug delivery labs of Prof.  Brayden at UCD and Prof.  Helen McCarthy at the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). The 2-year postdoctoral post will be based at UCD, but with blocks of work to be carried out at QUB.  A pharmaceutical researcher is sought to carry out synthesis and pharmacological assessments of the capacity of nanoparticles to deliver insulin based on incorporating a cell penetrating peptide (RALA) into the construct.  Relevant papers from each lab include:  

Hristov D, et al (2020).  Silica-coated nanoparticles with a core of zinc, l-arginine, and a peptide designed for oral delivery. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces;12(1):1257-1269. doi: 10.1021/acsami.9b16104 and   

McCarthy HO et al (2014). Development and characterization of self-assembling nanoparticles using a bio-inspired amphipathic peptide for gene delivery. J Control Release;189:141-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.06.048.

This is a research focused role, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by research training and development under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.

The primary purpose of the role is to further develop your research skills and competences, including the processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications, the development of funding proposals, the mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching.

In addition to the Principal Duties and Responsibilities listed below, the successful candidate will also carry out the following duties specific to this project:

• Design a nanoparticle where insulin and RALA are combined in a core nanoparticle, shelled with silica
• Carry out nanoparticle flux studies across Caco-2 monolayers
• Perform intestinal instillations and oral gavage studies in rats under licence
• Provide technical reports against the milestones agreed with the funding agency

Fixed Salary: €43,128 per annum

Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on 5th August 2022

Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 17:00hrs (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications.

UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.

Prior to application, further information (including application procedure) should be obtained from the Work at UCD website: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/ .