Careers at NIBRT
We are now hiring for the below positions
Current Career Opportunities
NIBRT at a glance:
- The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) is a global centre of excellence for training and research in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. NIBRT is located in a world class facility in Dublin, Ireland. This facility is purpose built to closely replicate a modern bioprocessing plant with state-of the art equipment and enables NIBRT to offer the highest quality training and research solutions.
- NIBRT's mission is to support the growth and development of all aspects of the biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland by becoming the global leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing research, education and training. This mission will be achieved by:
- Performing high impact, world class, industry aligned research in all aspects of bioprocessing, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, therapeutic protein and cell and gene therapy characterisation, compliance and regulation.
- Designing, developing and delivering best-in-class education and training solutions across all levels to national and international students and workforces.
- NIBRT actively collaborates with Irish, European and International universities and higher education institutions on research programs funded through the receipt of research awards from both national and European funding agencies.
- NIBRT interacts with numerous industrial clients through its training and research offerings.
For further information check out: www.nibrt.ie
Characterisation and Comparability Laboratory:
- Located within the NIBRT Facility, the Characterisation and Comparability Laboratory (CCL) aims to develop and apply key enabling analytical and bioanalytical technologies to facilitate a better understanding of mammalian cell bioprocessing through complete process and product characterisation.
- The CCL has access to state of the art analytical instrumentation, cell culture and bioprocessing facilities at NIBRT, including high resolution accurate mass LC-MS instruments, ultra-high performance liquid chromatographs and automation capabilities.
- The CCL team consists of a dynamic international mix of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, motivated by research excellence in applied analytical chemistry.
- The CCL is delighted to collaborate with Janssen Sciences Ireland. Janssen is part of Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, the world’s most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of healthcare products and related services, that is dedicated to addressing and solving the most important unmet medical needs of our time, including oncology, haematology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious disease and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Driven by the commitment to patients, Janssen performs constant and active research, the driving force behind the development of innovative products, services and healthcare solutions to help people throughout the world.
For further information check out: www.nibrt.ie/research-profile/jonathan-bones/
Job Description:
Role Overview:
The Characterisation and Comparability Laboratory at NIBRT is seeking a talented and experienced scientist as part of their collaborative Project with Janssen Sciences Ireland funded through Enterprise Irelands Innovation Partnership Scheme. The project is focused on extractables and leachables (E&L’s) in biomanufacturing. These chemical contaminants can leach out of single-use plastic components used during all stages of mammalian cell bioprocessing. E&L’s can produce different negative biological effects on cells, even at extremely low concentrations. E&L’s can also affect the quality, safety and efficacy of the drug product. There is an urgent need to investigate effective strategies to be applied during the biomanufacturing process to reduce/eliminate these chemicals from reaching the final product.
The appointed researcher will join the wider CCL team to evaluate ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF), one stage of downstream processing during biotherapeutic manufacturing, as a potential solution for clearance of leachables based on physical differences in molecular size and physiochemical behaviour. The identification of the types of leachables that can be removed efficiently by UF/DF, but also those that persist, is essential, as this valuable information will facilitate the design of further strategies at different levels within the biomanufacturing industry to address the challenge posed by E&L’s. This data will allow for alleviation of concerns regarding the polymeric materials used for generation of single use technologies and enable faster implementation of single use technologies in biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
Reporting directly to the Principal Investigator, the successful candidate will become part of the NIBRT based project team, but also will interact with team members from Janssen Sciences Ireland as part of the project. The appointed research assistant will also work closely with the project Research Fellow to perform all designated laboratory works, being also responsible for technical report writing, presentation of results at project meetings and publishing the generated data in appropriate high impact journals.
This post is ideally suited to a researcher with a background in analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry and/or bioanalytical science. An understanding of organic and polymer chemistry would be advantageous. An honours degree (NFQ Level 8) is required, however a Masters qualification wherein a research component was performed is desirable. Previous industrial experience and experience of working in a dynamic team environment would be a distinct advantage.
This is a specific purpose appointment that will run for the duration of the project.
The successful candidate will be based at the NIBRT Facility, located at Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
Principal Accountabilities:
The key responsibilities of the job include:
Conducting a specific programme of research under the leadership of the Principal Investigator and/or Project Manager/Research Fellow;
Assisting the project research fellow scientist in the execution of the project research plan;
Disseminating the outcomes of this research to stakeholders at project meetings, through written reports, application notes and through publication in peer‐reviewed academic journals of international standing;
Liaising with all project partners’ and relevant industries where necessary;
Engaging in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as determined by the Principal Investigator and/or Project Manager;
Preparing and presenting progress reports and research findings to colleagues for review purposes;
Participating fully in the wider research and scholarly activities of the Research Consortium/Institute within the remit and restrictions of the appointed position;
Carrying out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager.
Person Specification:
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the appropriate mix of knowledge, experience, skills, talent and abilities as outlined below:
Knowledge:
- A BSc or MSc in chemistry, analytical chemistry or a relevant related discipline from an approved degree awarding institution (essential).
- Knowledge of analytical techniques: gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC) with UV and mass spectrometry detection and/or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) (desirable).
- Knowledge of extraction techniques for the determination of small molecules or process contaminants (desirable).
- Knowledge of validation of analytical methods (desirable).
- Understanding of statistical methods and/or chemometrics for the evaluation of datasets and comparability assessment (desirable).
Experience:
- Experience within the biopharmaceutical industry or a demonstrated understanding of biomanufacturing processes including mammalian cell culture (desirable).
- Experience as analytical chemist, g. quality control laboratories, industry, research.
- Experience of working in multidisciplinary research teams (desirable).
- Project administration skills (desirable).
Skills, talents and abilities:
- Commitment to research excellence (essential).
- Effective report writing, knowledge transfer and communication skills with the ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences (essential).
- Self-motivated and ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team to an agreed work plan (essential).
- Collaborative management skills would be an advantage (desirable).
Eligibility to compete:
Citizenship / Permit Requirement:
Eligibility to compete is open to candidates who are citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. The EEA comprises member states of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Other candidates may be eligible to compete subject to their having or obtaining an appropriate work permit for the nature and duration of the position.
Terms and conditions of employment:
A full statement of terms and conditions of employment will be given to the successful candidate in accordance with Terms of Employment (Information) Acts 1994 and 2001.
Tenure:
This is a specific purpose contract that will run for the duration of the project.
Application process:
Application components:
To apply for this position email your CV and covering letter in a single combined PDF document to Dr. Jonathan Bones (jonathan.bones@nibrt.ie) with the position reference code ‘CCLEIELRA’ in the subject line. Applicants should also include contact details for two referees, one of should be your current or most recent employer. Candidates are advised to ensure the nominated referees are aware of this requirement. The successful candidate will be required to supply official copies of degrees, proof of PPS Number and a Certificate of Tax Free Allowance or P45 Form.
Closing date:
This position will remain open until filled, interested candidates are therefore encouraged to apply early.
Further information:
For further information about this post please contact: jonathan.bones@nibrt.ie
Canvassing will automatically disqualify.
NIBRT is an equal opportunities employer.
NIBRT at a glance:
- The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) is a global centre of excellence for training and research in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. NIBRT is located in a world class facility in Dublin, Ireland. This facility is purpose built to closely replicate a modern bioprocessing plant with state-of the art equipment and enables NIBRT to offer the highest quality training and research solutions.
- NIBRT's mission is to support the growth and development of all aspects of the biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland by becoming the global leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing research, education and training. This mission will be achieved by:
- Performing high impact, world class, industry aligned research in all aspects of bioprocessing, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, therapeutic protein and cell and gene therapy characterisation, compliance and regulation.
- Designing, developing and delivering best-in-class education and training solutions across all levels to national and international students and workforces.
- NIBRT actively collaborates with Irish, European and International universities and higher education institutions on research programs funded through the receipt of research awards from both national and European funding agencies.
- NIBRT interacts with numerous industrial clients through its training and research offerings.
For further information check out: www.nibrt.ie
Characterisation and Comparability Laboratory:
- Located within the NIBRT Facility, the Characterisation and Comparability Laboratory (CCL) aims to develop and apply key enabling analytical and bioanalytical technologies to facilitate a better understanding of mammalian cell bioprocessing through complete process and product characterisation.
- The CCL has access to state of the art analytical instrumentation, cell culture and bioprocessing facilities at NIBRT, including high resolution accurate mass LC-MS instruments, ultra-high performance liquid chromatographs and automation capabilities.
- The CCL team consists of a dynamic international mix of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, motivated by research excellence in applied analytical chemistry.
- The CCL collaborates with world leading instrument companies and biopharmaceutical manufacturers to develop impactful solutions to address key challenges in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The CCL is seeking talented mass spectrometry scientists to join the team to develop innovative strategies using high resolution mass spectrometry and native mass spectrometry for the characterisation of complex recombinant proteins and gene therapy products in collaboration with a number of industrial partners.
For further information check out: www.nibrt.ie/research-profile/jonathan-bones/
Job Description:
Role Overview:
The Characterisation and Comparability Laboratory at NIBRT is seeking talented and innovative mass spectrometry scientists to join the wider team to develop novel solutions for complex recombinant protein and gene therapy characterisation. Three positions are available at this time subject to continual funding. One position will focus on the characterisation of complex recombinant proteins using native liquid chromatography methods coupled to high resolution native Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The other two positions are focused on the characterisation of gene therapy products using advanced mass spectrometry for intact AAV capsid characterisation using native MS and hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) or the characterisation of viral capsid proteins and process related impurities using high resolution LC-MS.
The appointed researchers will be responsible for designing and performing all hands on experiments, therefore, prior experience with practical mass spectrometry, preferably high resolution Orbitrap instrumentation, is preferable. The appointed researchers will have experience in protein characterisation, native mass spectrometry, top down proteomics or structural biology. A strong understanding of liquid phase separations coupled to mass spectrometry is also preferable, particularly native liquid chromatography method and electrophoretic separations, especially the development and optimisation of such separation platforms to ensure generation of high quality MS data. The appointed researchers will also have a strong, demonstrated understanding of bioinformatics analysis of mass spectrometry data sets, again focused on intact protein characterisation or structural biology.
Reporting directly to the Principal Investigator, the successful candidate will become part of the NIBRT based project team, but also will interact with team members of the associated collaborative companies as part of the project. The appointed researchers will therefore also be expected to have excellent communication and team work skills. The appointed researchers will be expected to provide regular updates to internal and external stakeholders using various dissemination tools and ultimately to publish their data in high impact peer-reviewed journals.
The available posts are ideally suited to those with strong backgrounds in mass spectrometry, native mass spectrometry, top down proteomics or structural biology using MS. Candidates must hold a PhD and relevant postdoctoral experience would be advantageous. The positions will be made in accordance with IUA Level 2B or Level 3 pay scales, commensurate with experience.
All roles are available as specific purpose appointments that will run for the duration of the project.
The successful candidate will be based at the NIBRT Facility, located at Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Some travel for the purposes of specialist training, interaction with the collaborative company or conference presentation may also be required on occasion
Principal Accountabilities:
The key responsibilities of the job include:
- Conducting a specific programme of research under the leadership of the Principal Investigator and/or Project Manager/Research Fellow;
- Execution of the project research plan;
- Disseminating the outcomes of this research to stakeholders at project meetings, through written reports, presentations and through publication in peer‐reviewed academic journals of international standing;
- Liaising with all project partners’ and relevant industries where necessary;
- Engaging in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as determined by the Principal Investigator and/or Project Manager;
- Preparing and presenting progress reports and research findings to colleagues for review purposes;
- Participating fully in the wider research and scholarly activities of the Research Consortium/Institute within the remit and restrictions of the appointed position;
- Carrying out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager;
- Comply with all NIBRT policies and regulations, including those in relation to Research Ethics and Health and Safety.
Person Specification:
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the appropriate mix of knowledge, experience, skills, talent and abilities as outlined below:
Knowledge:
- A PhD in mass spectrometry, native mass spectrometry, top down proteomics or structural biology using mass spectrometry from an approved degree awarding institution (essential).
- Knowledge or protein characterisation or viral capsid analysis using mass spectrometry (desirable).
- Knowledge of method development and optimisation of liquid chromatography or electrophoretic separations coupled to mass spectrometry for protein characterisation (desirable).
- Knowledge of bioinformatic strategies for the analysis of intact protein MS data and native MS data with a specific focus on post translational modifications (desirable).
Experience:
- Relevant postdoctoral experience using practical mass spectrometry for protein characterisation, protein complex or viral particle characterisation (desirable).
- Experience of working in multidisciplinary research teams with internal and external stakeholders (desirable).
- Project administration skills (desirable).
Skills, talents and abilities:
- Commitment to research excellence and safety (essential).
- Effective report writing, knowledge transfer and communication skills with the ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences (essential).
- Self-motivated and ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team to an agreed work plan (essential).
- Collaborative management skills would be an advantage (desirable).
Eligibility to compete:
Citizenship / Permit Requirement:
Eligibility to compete is open to candidates who are citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. The EEA comprises member states of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Other candidates may be eligible to compete subject to their having or obtaining an appropriate work permit for the nature and duration of the position.
Terms and conditions of employment:
A full statement of terms and conditions of employment will be given to the successful candidate in accordance with Terms of Employment (Information) Acts 1994 and 2001.
Tenure:
This is a specific purpose contract that will run for the duration of the project
Application process:
Application components:
To apply for this position email your CV and covering letter in a single combined PDF document to Dr. Jonathan Bones (jonathan.bones@nibrt.ie) with the position reference code ‘CCLMSX3’ in the subject line and indicating within your application email which position you would like to be considered for.
Applicants should also include contact details for two referees, one of should be your current or most recent employer. Candidates are advised to ensure the nominated referees are aware of this requirement. The successful candidate will be required to supply official copies of degrees, proof of PPS Number and a Certificate of Tax Free Allowance or P45 Form.
Closing date:
This position will remain open until filled, interested candidates are therefore encouraged to apply early.
Further information:
For further information about this post please contact: jonathan.bones@nibrt.ie
Canvassing will automatically disqualify.
NIBRT is an equal opportunities employer.
Job Opportunity Questions?
If you have any questions about one of our vacant roles, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.