Recruitment

The Centre for BioNano Interactions (CBNI) based in University College Dublin (UCD) has several large scale projects (Science Foundation Ireland funded Bio-inspired particle architecture delivery technologies (Bio-PADT), and Advanced European Research Council Program grant FunctionalNanoTher for which we are about to advertise both postdoctoral and postgraduate positions. Within this international benchmark of excellence, this research will allow the Candidate to gain cutting-edge scientific training and develop highly specialised skills in an ambitious and rapidly growing multidisciplinary field, with strong contributions from molecular biology techniques, RNA research methods and physicochemical approaches. The programs are challenging and require a high  level of scientific competence in the defined arenas and commitment to methodological excellence. While the project's positions outline desired backgrounds and skills, since much of the training can be provided within the team, later selection processes will stress conceptual and methodological excellence and commitment to thorough science in the researchers.

Postdoctoral 1 (PD1) positions are intended for early-stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should apply for the PD2 post instead.

1. Chemistry of complex nanoscale hybrid (synthetic and biologically derived) materials.

(PD1 or 2 )

This purpose of this project is to develop novel nanostructures that interact with light, magnetism and MRI other effects in new ways as a means to use combined imaging tools both in cell and in vivo. Interests include energy up-conversion in nanoparticles, as well as other advanced nanomaterial functions.

For the PD1 or 2 position candidates should ideally have a PhD in relevant disciplines of chemical, physical and biophysical sciences. Skills of interest are experience and high competence in relevant advanced spectroscopies, nanomaterial synthesis, especially of more complex nanomaterial composites and surface modification. Some hands-on experience of imaging in different forms would be an advantage, but priority is given to spectroscopic and synthetic excellence.

2. Microbiology potentially with emphasis on bacterial mechanism and genomics.

(PD1 or 2 )

The purpose of this project is to gain a better understanding of nanoparticle (including synthetic nanomaterial, bacterial extracellular vesicles and other novel nanostructures) interaction with the intestine. However, the background of the ideal candidate need not include those specific skills which can be provided in the training, and preference is given for excellence in Molecular Microbiology.

For the PD1 or 2 position candidates should ideally have a PhD in Microbiology or Molecular Microbiology or relevant discipline with ideally a background in the gut microbiome. Skills of interest are the culturing bacterial strains and the metabolic engineering and genetic modification of bacteria. Desirable experience could include isolation of extracellular vesicles and 16s sequencing, and bioinformatics.

3. Molecular and Cell Biology potentially with emphasis on synthetic biology.

 (PD1 or 2 )

This project will involve the use of advanced tools to understand the molecular interactions of RNA and protein with nanostructures on a cellular level.

For the PD1 or 2 position candidates should have a PhD ideally in molecular biology, cell biology or a relevant discipline. Skills of interest are genetic engineering of cells, excellence in cell culture, and specific skills such different forms of CRISPR, genomic editing and related technologies. Ideally the candidate should have some experience of high content cellular imaging of different types.

4. Advanced Molecular biology of Engineered Biological Nanostructures for RNA Delivery.

(PD1 or 2 )

The project will focus on the isolation of RNA-containing biomolecular condensates secreted in vitro byhuman cells and the investigation of their biophysical ultrastructure via state of the art techniques such ashigh-throughput, high-accuracy long-read sequencing techniques and shotgun proteomics. Specialemphasis will be placed on the development of novel UV crosslinking methods to study RNA-proteininteractions potentially related to the condensates.

For the PD1 or 2 position candidates should have a PhD in the areas of molecular biology, biotechnology or biophysical chemistry, and ideally with significant experience in methods of RNA isolation and analysis. Having some research experience in working with ultraslow concentrations of RNA (for example single cell sequencing)  and the relevant sequencing methodologies would be an advantage. 

Interested applicants should apply directly to:

Prof. Kenneth Dawson ((opens in a new window)kenneth.A.Dawson@cbni.ucd.ie), Prof. Yan Yan ((opens in a new window)yan.yan@cbni.ucd.ie) and Dr. Ester Canepa ((opens in a new window)ester.canepa@cbni.ucd.ie) with a cover letter and CV.

Informal enquiries are also very welcome to get more information about the project and position details.

Please contact Dr. Ester Canepa ((opens in a new window)ester.canepa@cbni.ucd.ie, CBNI Senior Researcher) and Dr Rhona Hutchinson ((opens in a new window)rhona.hutchinson@cbni.ucd.ie, CBNI management).