Research Centre: National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology
Level on Framework: Level 1
Post Duration: FTC up to 6 months

As part of this role the researcher will be required to participate in the DCU Research Career Framework. This framework is designed to provide significant professional development opportunities to Researchers and offer the best opportunities in terms of a wider career path. The role may include teaching duties to assist with module delivery.

Background

Dublin City University (www.dcu.ie) is a research intensive, globally engaged, dynamic institution which has developed its own research specialists, established internationally recognized centres of excellence that have substantive collaborative links with leading universities and industrial partners. DCU is distinguished both by the quality and impact of its graduates and by its focus on the translation of knowledge into societal and economic benefit. Through its mission to transform lives and societies through education, research and innovation DCU acts as an agent of social, cultural and economic progress. DCU is Ireland’s fastest growing university and now hosts more than 17,000 students across its three academic campuses: DCU Glasnevin Campus, DCU St Patrick’s Campus and CU All hallows campus. DCU has a strong track record in attracting both Irish and European Union research funding under Horizon 2020 (and all previous Framework Programmes), Marie Curie Actions and Erasmus. We offer a dynamic and internationally-focused environment in which to advance your academic career.

The National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology (www.nicb.ie) based at DCU’s Glasnevin campus is a multidisciplinary centre for research on human cell biology and medicinal chemistry, with emphasis on research with application to cancer, diabetes, obesity, ocular diseases and the biopharmaceutical industry. It features advanced core facilities in proteomics, microscopy and gene expression microarray analysis and houses a large collection of human cell lines

The Project and Role

The project will involve investigation of the functional roles of specific mRNAs, proteins and miRNAs in pancreatic cancer cells, and investigation of proteins and miRNAs which might act as indicators of pancreatic tumour burden in plasma of cancer patients. Significant collaboration with clinicians involved in pancreatic cancer treatment will be an important feature of the programme.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to his/her Principal Investigator the Postdoctoral Researcher will:

• Conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator
• Assist in identifying and developing future research and funding initiatives
• Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which he/she is engaged with the support of and under the supervision of the Principal Investigator
• Supervise and assist undergraduate students working in this area with their research Engage in appropriate training and development opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator, the School or Research Centre, or the University
• Engage in teaching and teaching support as assigned by the Head of School under the direction of the Principal Investigator
• Liaise with both internal and external stakeholders including industry and academic partners/collaborators
• Carry out administrative work associated with the programme of research as necessary

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required:

Applicants should have a PhD in a biological topic and excellent written and oral proficiency in English (essential) and should possess experience in the design of serum-free media, molecular biological techniques, working with miRNAs and proteins and human or other mammalian cell cultures.

In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following skillsets;​

• Excellent oral and verbal communication and social skills.
• Proven ability to prioritize workload and work to strict deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team and to take accountability to contribute to the overall success of the team.
• Strong problem solving abilities.

Mandatory Training

The post holder will be required to undertake the following mandatory compliance training: Orientation, Health and Safety and Intellectual Property and Data Protection training. Other training may need to be undertaken when required.

Candidates will be assessed on the following competencies:

Discipline knowledge and Research skills – Demonstrates knowledge of a research discipline and the ability to conduct a specific programme of research within that discipline.

Understanding the Research Environment – Demonstrates an awareness of the research environment (for example funding bodies) and the ability to contribute to grant applications.

Communicating Research – Demonstrates the ability to convey their research with their peers and the wider research community (for example presenting at conferences and publishing research in relevant journals) and the potential to teach and tutor students.

Managing & Leadership skills - Demonstrates the potential to manage a research project including the supervision of undergraduate students.