Careers at NIBRT

The Position:

The purpose of this role is to develop and deliver training content in the bioprocessing area to a wide variety of clients as a member of the NIBRT Training team supporting the Training Director and Training Manager across all relevant areas.

Working in NIBRT:

NIBRT is a centre of excellence for bioprocessing research and training with state-of-the-art manufacturing and laboratory facilities.  Our dynamic and highly-skilled training team strives for excellence in all that it does and achieves this through a culture of mutual support, collaborative learning and dedication.  Specific opportunities for professional growth include:

• Unrivalled and broad-ranging experience in all aspects of the production, analysis and regulation of the most advanced therapies on the market, including cGxP quality management, inspections and audits.
• Upskilling through attendance of international conferences, training courses and further education.
• Development of valuable transferrable skills such as oral and written communication, public speaking, project management and customer service.

Employees also enjoy additional benefits such as generous annual leave, flexi time working arrangements, support for further education, permanent health insurance and pension benefits.

The Role:

Duties of the Bioprocessing trainer will include:

• Development and delivery of training material including lectures and practical content in biopharmaceutical processing operations focusing particularly on QC Micro, Fill Finish and Aseptic Processing along with general upstream and downstream bioprocessing.
• Day to day operation of pilot production plant facilities and laboratory equipment in NIBRT’s pilot production training facility.
• Implementation and maintenance of documentation for the NIBRT facility and business activities (SOPs, production batch records, project proposals and technical reports).
• Design, and delivery of customised training materials to specific corporate clients (on their site, when required).
• Measurement of training effectiveness through the use of a variety of assessment tools.
• Self-directed learning to ensure current knowledge of bioprocessing and an awareness of industry trends and advances.
• Ensuring safe operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and liaising with facilities team at NIBRT to resolve problems.
• Supporting NIBRT in the design and delivery of new and expanded methods of training (e.g. eLearning, blended learning etc.) and work with NIBRT partners to ensure NIBRT fulfills its obligations to same.
• Hosting tours of NIBRT pilot production plant and attend business development meetings with prospective clients.
• Mentoring junior/new trainers and support their induction into the training department
• Represent the training department at company events (which may on occasion be during evenings or weekends).
• Any other reasonable duties as may be required from time to time by your manager.

Your Profile:

• Applicants will be expected to hold a PhD/MSc in related scientific field (Life Science/Biopharmaceutical Processing/Engineering) OR a BSc in a related scientific field combined with significant relevant (bio) pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Knowledge and industry experience of one or both of the following is requested:
  • QC Microbiology
  • Aseptic processing and sterile fill finish
• Knowledge, experience and interest in Industry 4.0 technologies would be an added advantage.
• Detailed practical knowledge of bioprocessing manufacturing operations is essential for this role.
• The successful trainer will be a motivated self-starter, capable of working under their own initiative as part of a busy and dynamic training team.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role.

How to Apply:

To apply for this position please forward your CV, cover letter and the names and contact details of two referees in a combined PDF document to the NIBRT HR team at careers@nibrt.ie. Please include your name and the position for 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.

NIBRT is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity to people in all aspects of employment. This includes ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment, training, promotion and career development in the organisation.

Role Summary

Reporting to the CEO, and a member of the Senior Leadership team, the Finance & Governance Director is responsible for the finance and corporate governance functions in NIBRT. We are looking for an individual who is an experienced accountant with the capability to lead all aspects of financial management, including corporate accounting, regulatory and financial reporting, budget and forecasts preparation, development and implementation of financial controls policies and the management of financial risk. The individual should also have the capability to lead all aspects of corporate governance in NIBRT, including internal audit, organisational risk management and the development of broader internal control policies and procedures.

Key duties and responsibilities 
1. Lead operations within the Finance Department in compliance with all stakeholder, client and employee requirements with best practice financial policies and procedures.

• Provide direction and leadership to the finance team. o Oversee implementation of all finance processes/procedures e.g. PO process, Expenses, Capex etc. o Accurately report on the financial performance of NIBRT, ensuring timely monthly preparation of management accounts, P&L forecasting and cash flow forecasting.
• Manage all accounting operations and systems including Payroll, Billing, A/R, A/P, GL, asset and inventory accounting and revenue recognition. o Work with all departments in the preparation and monitoring of annual budgets, both operational and capital.
• Represent NIBRT and act as key point of contact with main funders, most notably IDA Ireland. o Maintain NIBRT’s financial dealings and reporting in compliance with all legal, statutory, and revenue requirements, ensuring positive outcomes for all audits, including statutory audit, internal audits and various funding agency audits.
• Work with departments to ensure appropriate income, cost and margin analysis is performed. o Work in partnership with and responsive to the Resource Oversight Committee of the NIBRT Board.
• Evaluate on an on-going basis the financial risk to NIBRT, articulating variances and mitigation of same.

2. Lead the development of the corporate governance function at NIBRT

• Coordinate the development and implementation of the corporate governance framework and internal audit plan.
• Develop and oversee the organisational risk management process at NIBRT.
• Develop and oversee internal control policies and procedures in compliance with all legal and statutory obligations, including internal audit findings.
• Work in partnership with the Audit & Risk and Governance & Nominations Committees of the NIBRT Board.

3. Contribute strongly as a member of NIBRT’s senior leadership team.

• Play an active role in developing NIBRT’s future direction (strategy) and in supporting tactical initiatives.
• Develop, monitor and direct the implementation of a strategic financial business plan.

Essential Criteria

• Professional accounting qualification, CAI, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent. 
• Over 10 years post qualification experience, including industry, and team leadership experience.
• Track record on accurate and timely financial reporting, including experience with external financial stakeholders.
• Deep knowledge of good governance practice and an understanding and experience of operating in such an environment.
• Previous experience in oversight and management of corporate governance (an advantage).
• Previous experience of the biopharmaceutical industry (an advantage).
• Previous experience of the research funding landscape (an advantage). 

Required skills and competencies

• Excellent business and commercial acumen. o Excellent knowledge of financial management systems (SAGE experience an advantage).
• An adept problem solver. o Advanced negotiation skills o A detail orientated, methodical approach, underpinned by a project management mind-set.
• Ability to work within complex, highly-matrixed structures with differing layers of responsibility, involving both operational / executive duties and engagement with the Board and its committees.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with an ability to manage conflict situations
• Strong interpersonal skills, both written and oral o Leadership – an energetic leader with the ability to motivate staff to perform to the highest level.
• Strategic – a strategic thinker, who is progressive and can lead the way in developing the finance and governance functions. o Integrity 

Application process

To apply for this position please forward your CV, cover letter and the names and contact details of two referees in a combined PDF document to NIBRT at careers@nibrt.ie on or before close of business on 1st December 2020. Please include your name and the position for 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 our HR Manager, Gemma Grimes at careers@nibrt.ie
NIBRT is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Originations Profile: www.nibrt.ie

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 a talented mass spectrometry scientist to join the team to develop innovative MS strategies for the characterisation of complex recombinant proteins.
• This role represents a collaboration with Lonza Biologics based in Slough, United Kingdom. Lonza combines technological innovation with world class manufacturing and process excellence, which together, enables their customers to deliver their discoveries.
• The facility at Slough is Lonza’s development centre of excellence for gene to GMP supply for all molecule types (including complex proteins) as well as product and process validation studies in support of Biological License Applications for their mammalian network. The site supports manufacture for early clinical supply (Phase 1 & 2) as well as niche commercial manufacture.

For further information check out: www.nibrt.ie/research-profile/jonathan-bones/ and https://pharma.lonza.com/about/locations/slough-uk

Job Description:

Role Overview:

The Characterisation and Comparability Laboratory at NIBRT is seeking a talented and innovative mass spectrometry scientist to join the wider team to develop novel solutions for complex recombinant proteins such as bispecific antibodies and antibody Fc conjugates. The position will focus on the characterisation of these complex recombinant proteins using native liquid chromatography methods coupled to high resolution native Orbitrap mass spectrometry.

The appointed researcher 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 methods 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 for intact protein characterisation.

Reporting directly to the Principal Investigator, the successful candidate will become part of the NIBRT based project team, but also will interact with members of Lonza’s Analytical R&D and Analytical Services teams, based in Slough as part of this 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 research team member salary 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 technology transfer, interaction with the collaborative company or conference presentation may also be required on occasion. However, any travel will be in accordance with current Government COVID-19 guidelines and associated Institutional policies.

Principal Accountabilities:

The key responsibilities of the job include:

• Conducting a specific programme of research under the leadership of the Principal Investigator;
• Execution of the project research plan;
• Successfully transfer each of the developed methods and technologies to the Analytical R&D and Analytical Services teams, based in Slough.
• 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;
• Preparing and presenting progress reports and research findings to colleagues for review purposes;
• Participating fully in the wider research and scholarly activities of the 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 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 (desirable).

Experience:

• Relevant postdoctoral experience using practical mass spectrometry for protein 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 ‘CCLLZRF’ 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.

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 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.

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 an experienced scientist to join a collaborative project that is focused on understanding host cell protein (HCPs) and host cell DNA (hcDNA) removal during downstream processing of monoclonal antibodies.

The project will investigate the fouling of membranes and chromatorgaphic resins used for downstream processing of monoclonal anibodies by residual process contaminants such as HCPs and hcDNA. The successful candidate will apply advanced quantitative LC-MS methods for the identification of HCPs present in cell culture harvest fluid and will track their removal and behaviour through the subsequent downstream filtration and chromatographic steps. Additioanlly, the successful candidate will also apply quantitative LC-MS to characterise HCPs adsorbed or bound to the membranes and resins and membranes themselves to understand the role of HCPs in fouling.

The successful candidate will the wider CCL team but will be responsible for undertaking instrumental analysis and associated data processing for quantitative HCP determination. A strong background, with proven practical experience, in liquid chromatography mass spectrometry based proteomic analysis using data dependent and data independent methods as well as targeted workflows for absolute quantitation, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publication will be essential. The successful candidate will also have a strong understanding of bioinformatics for the analysis of proteomic data using state of the art platforms.

The post holder will be responsible for undertaking all associated laboratory works, technical report writing, presentation of results at project meetings and publishing the generated data in appropriate high impact journals. The post holder will also strongly interact with the industrial project sponsor and therefore, previous experience in working to tight deadlines and a history of successful project delivery is essential.

This post is ideally suited to a researcher with a strong background in bioanalytical chemistry, mass spectrometry or a related discipline.

This is a fixed term specific purpose appointment subject to available funding which will run from the date of employment until the end of the purpose or until the funding for this post comes to an end, whichever is sooner.

The successful candidate should hold a PhD degree or if not have a minimum of five year’s practical experience with LC-MS for bioanalytical applications, ideally in discovery proteomics.

 The successful candidate will be based at the NIBRT Facility, located at Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Travel to the site of the industrial biopharma partner may 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;
• Assisting the wider project team in the execution of the project research plan;
• Disseminating the outcomes of this research to skateholders 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 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, Intellectual Property and Health & 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 bioanalytical chemistry, proteomics, mass spectrometry or a relevant related discipline from an approved degree awarding institution or a MSc and a minimum of five years practical experience with high resolution LC-MS for proteomic applications (essential).
• Knowledge of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and the application of LC-MS for discovery proteomic applications (essential).
• Knowledge of bioinformatics for proteomic data processing (essential).

Experience:

• Practical experience in all aspects of LC-MS based proteomics using high resolution instrumentation, from sample preparation to instrumental analysis (essential).
• Experience with bioinformatics strategies for proteomic data processing and statistical analysis (essential).
• 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), the UK 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 appointment to fun 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 ‘CCLEIBUPD’ 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.