Post Doctoral Researcher Scientist

Organisation Overview

The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (‘NIBRT’) is a global centre of excellence, headquartered in Dublin that provides training and research solutions to the global biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector. NIBRT arose from an innovative collaboration between University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University and the Institute of Technology, Sligo, with core funding from the Government of Ireland through Ireland’s inward investment agency, IDA Ireland. NIBRT’s 8,300 m² facility has over 100 employees currently and houses fully operational pilot plants for biologics manufacturing training to industry and education, multiple research laboratories focused on biopharmaceuticals manufacturing research and a dedicated facility focused on the early-stage development of biologics and advanced therapy products.

Position Summary

We are seeking a post-doctoral scientist to advance the development and testing of novel virus vectored vaccines. The scientist will be located at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), Dublin. The scientist will focus on creating and developing next-generation adenovirus-based virus vaccines, expressing novel antigens from ESKAPE pathogens, to address the global anti-microbial resistance (AMR) crisis. The research builds on our significant expertise in developing and commercialising novel vaccines and delivery platforms. The research will involve establishing and improving the design of multivalent adenovirus vaccines and their production, purification and analysis using industry-relevant methodologies.  

The ideal candidate

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with expertise in producing virus vaccines, with an ability to work to a high standard and as part of a team. The scientist must have expertise in creating new recombinant viruses and in their production and analysis. The scientist must have excellent initiative, communication, planning, team-working, practical, problem solving, record-keeping skills and previously demonstrated skills in a start-up and/or innovation environment. The scientist must have a track record in publishing previous work, hold a primary and/or secondary degree in life sciences and specifically virology. They must have direct experience of developing recombinant viruses. Experience of working in a commercial environment is also desirable. 

The team

This research is part of the All-island Vaccine Research and Training (AIVRT) network in Ireland. The overall multidisciplinary AIVRT consortium provides an all-island network of vaccine developers, immunologists and microbiologists who are jointly focused on tackling AMR pathogens through vaccination. The scientist will work closely with UCC AIVRT researchers, while being based in NIBRT. We strive to provide a vibrant research community that values career development, teamwork, scientific excellence, creativity, ambition and discovery to support innovation, within a multi-cultural environment, in a research-based, globally-oriented institute.  

Key Duties and Responsibilities

This title will apply to qualified Post-Doctoral Researchers and will be considered as a period of training as the researcher will have dual goals in terms of the research project and their own career development. The researcher will be mentored by a Principal Investigator (PI). It is expected that a researcher would spend not more than 3 years at the Post Doctoral level, subject to the term of the project and would then be eligible to compete for a Senior Post Doctoral post advertised by the University. The primary focus of the Postdoctoral Researcher will be research however a particular emphasis during this stage should include;

• To conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator/Project Leader.

• To engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator, School or College in order to develop research skills and competencies.

• To gain experience in grant writing.

• To engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which they are engaged, as directed by, with the support of and under the supervision of a Principal Investigator.

• To become familiar with the publication process.

• To acquire generic and transferable skills (including project management, business skills and postgraduate mentoring/supervision).

• To engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the research group, School or College.

• To interact closely with postgraduate research students who are studying for a Masters or a PhD and possibly have an agreed role in supporting these students in their day to day research in conjunction with an academic supervisor.

• To carry out administrative work to support the programme of research.

• To carry out all activities according to all health and safety guidelines

• To carry out additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

• To contribute to costing research grant proposals and assist in the financial management of a research project.

Essential Criteria

• A PhD qualification in the area of virus vaccines and/or recombinant virus creation, production and analysis.

• Relevant postdoctoral or equivalent industry experience (≥1 year).

• Strong research experience in virus vaccine development.

• Track record, evidenced as peer-reviewed publications in vaccine development.

• Appropriate technical competence and accomplishment.

• Strong data utilization, complex problem solving, critical thinking, resource management, and writing skills.

• Demonstrated experience in writing reports for commercial partners.

• Demonstrated commitment to data integrity reproducibility, and high scientific standards.

• Ability to develop and follow research protocols.

• Great communication, organisation and interpersonal skills. Capability to work independently and in a team environment, meet deadlines, prioritize and balance work from multiple individuals, to achieve results.

• A commitment to gaining practical experience working on a research project.

• Ability to develop, read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.

• Ability to manage experimental workloads and execute objectives for timely completion of deliverables and milestones

Desirable:

• Experience in a commercial vaccine development environment.

• Ability to perform multiple tasks independently