Vacancy Summary
We are currently searching for a dynamic, hard-working Senior Scientist 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 aim to provide a National Core Facility for researchers and the biopharmaceutical industry to access and drive rapid generation of optimised cell lines for production of recombinant proteins, mABs, cell therapies, gene therapies and RNA therapeutics.
Position Available
Cell Line Development and Gene Therapy Senior Scientist
Location
Dublin
Department
CONCEPT
Hiring Manager
Clair Gallagher
Contract Type
FTC
Application Date
May 2025
Interview Dates
TBC
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 and drive 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
- 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 drive research using state-of-the-art, Research Ireland and IDA Irelandfunded instrumentation for 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 provide leadership and mentorship in experimental design and development of robust project structures and plans.
- To provide leadership for 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 provide considered advice regarding engagement with pan-European consortia and other large groups in the Biologics and Gene Therapy space.
- As Senior Scientist, to provide strategic direction to advance impactful ATMP research and training in CONCEPT.
Essential Criteria
- A PhD in biotechnology cell biology, molecular biology or another relevant field.
- Research experience or industrial experience in biotechnology or biopharmaceuticals is required.
- A strong record (5 years +) in Biologics and Gene Therapy development and characterisation.
- Significant experience in cloning and vector design work (5 years +).
- Excellent cell culture skills, including CHO and HEK cell culture.
- Demonstrated expertise developing mammalian expression technologies for the generation of monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins and / or multi-specific proteins.
- Experience in Biologics development using a wide range of expression platforms.
- Experience of mammalian cell line optimisation, clone isolation, characterisation, and banking.
- Experience in CHO cell line process development and optimisation.
- Experience in antibody characterisation techniques for assessment of kinetics, affinity and competitive binding using SPR or other techniques.
- Demonstrated expertise in the genetic manipulation of CHO and HEK cells using gene editing tools.
- 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 collaboratively and engage positively with others to drive team success.
- A demonstrated understanding of the landscape and challenges around provision of safe Biologics and Gene Therapies (toxicities, failures, adverse outcomes, manufacturing and scale-up challenges).
- An understanding of the pre-GMP regulatory requirements that govern routes to clinical trial and licensing.
- Experience navigating the route from Biologics research through to Manufacture.
- Deep sectoral knowledge and a strong ability to communicate ideas and research strategies.
Desirable Criteria
- Hands-on experience in developing and validating Gene Therapy products is advantageous.
- Experience in Ambr 15 and / or Ambr 250 instrument operation is highly desirable.
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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