Postdoctoral Researchers(2) - Bone Mechanobiology
Biomedical Engineering
College of Engineering and Informatics
NUI Galway
Ref. No. NUIG 102-17
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for two full-time, fixed term positions as Postdoctoral
Researcher in Bone Mechanobiology within the Mechanobiology and Medical Device Research Group
(www.mechanobiology.ie), Biomedical Engineering at the College of Engineering and Informatics, National University
of Ireland, Galway. These positions are funded by Science Foundation Ireland and the European Regional
Development Fund and are available from July 2017 to the 31st August 2019.
Bone is an adaptive tissue that has the capacity to continuously renew and repair itself throughout life in response to
the mechanical demands on the tissue. Osteoporosis can impair this process leading to severe bone fractures, pain
and immobility. Mechanobiology is an emerging field at the interface of biology and engineering, which seeks to
understand the mechanisms by which biological cells sense and respond to mechanical signals. Professor
McNamara’s research group use multidisciplinary approaches to derive understanding of bone mechanobiology and
how this process contributes to development, physiology and bone disease. Through these studies, it is becoming
increasingly clear that mechanobiological processes are fundamental to normal bone physiology and may also play an
important role in the aetiology of osteoporosis. However, mechanobiological responses have not been targeted as
treatments for osteoporosis. This program of research will derive new information to inform the generation of novel
therapeutic approaches for osteoporosis.
This research will be conducted using the equipment, technical expertise, office and research space within the College
of Engineering and Informatics, the BioSciences Research Building (BRB) and the National Centre for Biomedical
Engineering Sciences (NCBES) at NUI Galway. The new 14,000m 2 Engineering building houses state-of-the-art
Biomedical Engineering facilities including cell culture laboratories, biomechanical testing laboratories, micro-CT
scanning, microscopy, research space and computer suites. The BioSciences Research Building incorporates
8,000m2 of high-end laboratory space for over 300 researchers from eminent NUI Galway research groups working in
the areas of cancer research, regenerative medicine and cell and molecular biology. These complement facilities at
the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Sciences (NCBES).
Job Description:
The successful candidate will investigate the effect of modulating mechanoreceptors and key mechanotransduction
proteins from normal and osteoporotic bone cells. This research will establish the effectiveness of modulating the
mechanotransduction response in osteoporosis. The work involves in vitro cell culture, immunocytochemistry,
molecular studies of gene and protein expression (RT-PCR, Western Blotting, ELISA), development of
mechanobiology-based therapeutics, use of osteoporotic models and tissue histology. Prior research experience and
strong experimental techniques in cell culture, tissue histology, gene and protein expression, tissue dissection and
development of therapeutics are highly desired.
Duties:
 In vitro cell culture studies
 Bioreactor and Parallel plate flow studies
 Development of Mechanobiology-based therapeutics
 Studies of gene and protein expression
 Tissue histology and immunohistochemistry
 Laboratory management
 Publication of research
Qualifications/Skills required:
The ideal candidate(s) should have a track record in a research and development environment and strong Cell and
Molecular Biology (Mechanobiology), or Pharmaceutical Science experience is essential. Applicants must have a
Ph.D. in the Biomedical Engineering/Biomedical Science or related sciences. The ideal candidate would have
experience in cell biology, molecular biology, histology, immunohistochemistry and pharmaceutical development, as
evidenced by a publication record. Candidates should have excellent communication and organizational skills; be
highly motivated and passionate about research; and have strong documentation, oral and interpersonal skills.
Essential criteria:
 PhD level in Biomedical Engineering/Biomedical Science or related disciplines
 Evidence of strong publication record
 Experience of in vitro cell culture
 Experience of cell and molecular biology techniques (e.g. tissue histology, immunohistochemistry,
immunocytochemistry, western blotting, RT-PCR)
 Experience of Epifluorescent and Confocal microscopy.
Desirable criteria: demonstrable experience in the following area;




Molecular techniques used to study and manipulate gene expression and function (e.g., siRNA,
overexpression)
Bioengineering delivery platforms for DNA/RNA-based therapeutics
Use of bioreactors and parallel plate flow chambers
Cell culture laboratory management, purchasing
Tissue dissection and histology
Salary: €37,750 - €41,181 per annum
Start date: Positions are available from July 2017
Continuing Professional Development/Training:
Researchers at NUI Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to
support their personal career development plans.
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Further information about our work is available at www.bmec.ie
(Informal
enquiries
concerning
the
post
may
be
[email protected]
made
to
Professor
Laoise
McNamara,
To Apply: Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via email (in word or PDF only) to [email protected]
Please put reference number NUIG 102-17 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Monday 26th June 2017.
All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.