Vacancy Summary
We are currently searching for a dynamic, hard-working Research Associate to join our team at CONCEPT. CONCEPT is a state-of-the-art facility constructed at NIBRT and supported through Research Ireland, with access to emerging technology platforms. We provide a National Core Facility for researchers and the biopharmaceutical industry to access instrumentation and supports for rapid generation of optimised cell lines for production of recombinant proteins, mABs, cell therapies, gene therapies and RNA therapeutics.
Position Available
Biologics and Gene Therapy Research Associate
Location
Dublin
Department
CONCEPT
Hiring Manager
Clair Gallagher
Contract Type
Fixed Term Contract
Application Date
June 2025
Interview Dates
To be confirmed
Salary & Benefits
Competitive salary and excellent suite of benefits including pension, private health insurance, income protection scheme, 25 days annual leave plus up to 3 additional company days off, generous training and career development supports, flexible working hours and work from home set up supported.
Role Purpose
This position offers a unique opportunity to support Biologics (mAB and recombinant proteins) and Gene Therapy research and development. These dynamic and exciting areas of research have rapidly expanded in recent years, offering novel and real-world treatment options for patients suffering from recalcitrant and life-limiting conditions.
Key Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the job include:
- Attending scheduled training and developing expertise in relevant instrumentation and techniques.
- Developing and validating methods and Standard Operating Procedures.
- Performing experiments with high precision, reproducibility, quality control and validation.
- Generating and completing records, with precision and accuracy in a timely manner.
- Troubleshooting experimental issues and bottlenecks to facilitate continued process and operational improvement.
- To maintain instruments as per appropriate cleaning and maintenance schedules.
- To execute assays and projects using state-of-the-art, Research Ireland and IDA Ireland funded instrumentation for Biologics, CLD and Gene Therapy research at CONCEPT, NIBRT.
- To design and optimise vectors for biologics and ATMP applications.
- To develop and validate methods for improved Biologics and Gene Therapy generation, performance, efficacy and applicability across a broader spectrum of applications.
- To engage in experimental design, development of project structures and plans.
- To contribute to establishment of efficiencies and operational excellence in laboratory operations.
- To support and develop project opportunities with academic and industry groups for advancement of biologics research and ATMP research.
- To generate and present publication-ready protocols, data and reports to stakeholders collaborators and clients.
- To represent CONCEPT and NIBRT at conferences and forums and to engage relevant stakeholders regarding ongoing research and development opportunities.
- To engage with pan-European consortia and other large groups in the Biologics and Gene Therapy space.
Essential Criteria
- An MSc and or PhD in biotechnology cell biology, molecular biology or another relevant field.
- Excellent cell culture skills, including CHO and HEK cell culture.
- A strong record in Biologics and Gene Therapy development and characterisation.
- Research experience or industrial experience in biotechnology or biopharmaceuticals.
- Experience in Biologics development using expression platform(s).
- Experience of mammalian cell line optimisation, clone isolation, characterisation, and banking.
- Experience in Ambr 15 and / or Ambr 250 instrument operation is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated capabilities developing mammalian expression technologies for the generation of monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins and / or multi-specific proteins.
- Experience in cloning and vector design
- Demonstrated capabilities in the genetic manipulation of CHO and HEK cells using gene editing tools.
- Experience in antibody characterisation techniques for assessment of kinetics, affinity and competitive binding using SPR or other techniques.
- Hands-on experience in developing and validating Gene Therapy products is advantageous.
- Experience in RT-PCR, dPCR, Sanger or other types of sequence characterisation.
- A passion for laboratory-based research, method development and a desire to trouble-shoot and optimise experiments to produce high quality outputs.
- A passion for detailed record keeping and schedule adherence.
- Proven ability to work well independently and contribute to efficient laboratory maintenance and operation.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively and engage positively with others for team success.
- Understanding of the landscape and challenges around provision of safe Biologics and Gene Therapies (toxicities, failures, adverse outcomes, manufacturing and scale-up challenges).
- An appreciation for the pre-GMP regulatory requirements that govern routes to clinical trial and licensing.
- Experience navigating the route from Biologics research through to Manufacture.
- A strong ability to communicate ideas and research findings.
How To Apply?
To apply for this position please forward your CV and cover letter to careers@nibrt.ie
Please include your name and the position which you are applying for in the subject line. Please note that the successful candidate may be required to supply parchments of degrees/qualifications/work permits.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence by contacting careers@nibrt.ie
NIBRT is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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