Current Open Research Positions:

Postdoctoral researcher (deadline 06/01/25):

Downstream Protein Analysis -Polarized Emission Spectroscopy (NBL-DPA-PES1)

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed term Postdoctoral Researcher position with the Nanoscale Biophotonics Laboratory at the University of Galway.  Ref. No. 010785

The position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland as part of the Downstream Protein Analysis - Polarized Emission Spectroscopy (DPA-PES) project award to Prof. Alan Ryder. The post is available from 1st Dec. 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter, for a period of three years.
The DPA-PES project combines aspects of both fundamental and applied research, first trying to understand the exact nature of the light-sample interactions, and second utilising this knowledge to apply pEEM as a robust Process Analytical Technology (PAT) for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Therapeutic proteins like monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are sensitive to a variety of chemical and physical forces which can cause adverse aggregation and/or degradation. pEEM provides a rapid, non-contact, non-destructive method of analysis that could be integrated into manufacturing processes to observe/monitor adverse effects. pEEM has several unique advantages for protein analysis in that it can provide information about size and stability while being rapid, non-destructive, and suitable for online implementation.

Salary:  We intend to appoint at point 2-3 of the IUA salary scale:  €44,496 to €46,447.

Application:  Applications must be submitted online at Jobs - University of Galway. (It's under Research Vacancies Type 2, Ref. No. 010785).

For informal enquiries:  please contact Professor Alan Ryder by email: alan.ryder@universityofgalway.ie

Job Description:  The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. A. Ryder to support the research work plan for the DPA-PES project in terms of mostly undertaking experimental laboratory work involving fluorescence spectroscopy based methods to help develop and validate novel analytical methods for measuring monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), virus like particles (VLPs) and other therapeutic biologics. The long-term goal is to have these bioanalysis technologies to be incorporated in the next generation of analytical tools for downstream processing of biologics in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. They will be based in the Nanoscale Biophotonics Laboratory located in the discipline of Physics within the School of Natural Sciences. This is an experimental position involving wet and dry labwork, along with varying degrees of data analysis and report writing.
Duties: The candidate will assist in advancing the use of polarized Excitation Emission Matrix (pEEM) based measurement methods for the rapid, quantitative analysis of proteins, mAbs, and VLPs. A particular focus of this research post is exploring the biophysical potential of pEEM measurements for the physical and chemical characterization of proteins in different environments.
The candidate will also support the reporting, management of the project, and the dissemination/technology-transfer activities. The post is a full-time position, and the work is an on-site activity not suited to remote working.
• Undertake experimental methods to validate the novel polarised fluorescence based analytical methods being developed for the analysis of proteins, virus like particles, and other relevant therapeutic biomolecules.
• Assist the PI with liaising and reporting to the funder and other stakeholders which includes preparation of periodic scientific and financial reports.
• Deliver presentations and undertake outreach activities relevant to the project as required by the PI for the successful delivery of the project.
• Assist in the mentoring/training of NBL researchers in the relevant analytical methods, and other experimental/instrumental protocols as needed.
• Supervise relevant undergraduate and visiting student research projects related to DPA-PES from time to time as needed.
• Assist in the preparation of manuscripts for publication.
• Assist in the management of the NBL laboratory facilities being used for the project.
• Maintain and record all experimental data related to the project on a secure backup system. All experimental methodologies should be documented in paper lab notebooks and on MS Teams/SharePoint with reference made to their location.
• Undertake any other activities relevant to the project as directed by the PI
• Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post.

Eligibility Requirements: Candidates should have excellent communication and organizational skills; be highly motivated and passionate about biophysics and/or analytical chemistry; and have strong documentation, oral and interpersonal skills. The position requires communication with a wide range of audiences including academics, students, and biopharmaceutical companies, thus excellent communication skills are mandatory. The ideal candidate should have previous experience in biophysics and/or analytical chemistry from either an academic or industrial perspective.
Essential Requirements:
• A PhD degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, or an equivalent discipline, with a Biophysics theme.
• Experience in the use of time-resolved and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy for quantitative protein analysis.
• Proven experimental experience in the use of particle sizing techniques and chromatographic methods of analysis.
• Recent (<3 years) first or senior author publications in the areas of protein analysis using advanced spectroscopic and biophysical methods.
• Excellent English language communication skills (both written and oral).
Desirable Requirements:
• Experience in the analysis of therapeutic proteins in an industrial context (downstream operations).
• Experience in the use of multivariate data analysis.
• Experience with polarization-based measurements and optics.
• Project management skills and/or qualifications.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on Monday 6th January 2025. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.
Applications must be submitted online using the online University system. To apply: Jobs - University of Galway. Apply under the Research Vacancies Type 2. Applications must be submitted online.