Postdoctoral Fellow - Glycan Analysis and Mass Spectrometry

RCSI - Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Offer Description About Our Research

RCSI recognises that excellence in research is critical to the quality of its educational activities, its credibility, and, overall, to its mission to enhance human health. RCSI's research strategy aims to build upon its strength in translational biomedical and clinical research to deliver transformational, high impact changes in health care. Targeting both Irish national and EU funding, along with increased collaboration with industry, is a major part of the RCSI research strategy. Forging increased collaboration between RCSI PIs and industry is of critical importance to achieving success in this area.

Summary of Post

The position is available in the research group of Dr Marco Monopoli in the Chemistry Department at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. The priority focus of this role is on utilising and applying mass spectrometry and glycan analysis for in vitro diagnostics.

Specifically, the duties of the post are:

• Optimisation of automated analytical workflows for high-throughput glycan analysis
• Plan and program for an automated workflow using a robot for high-throughput sample preparation
• Prepare glycan samples, including enzymatic release, labelling, purification and analysis
• Skilled use of UHPLC liquid chromatography for glycan analysis and mass spectrometry
• Hands on use of a mass spectrometry instrument for biomolecular characterisation, data analysis and interpretation
• Bioinformatic data analysis using statistical software packages such as R or Python
• Manage the full biomarker panning workflow, including strategic planning, operation oversight, biomolecular sample characterisation using UHPLC glycan analysis, mass spectrometry and data integration and high dimensional statistical analysis - to understand disease biology and disease pathways
• Write progressive and deliverable reports
• Maintain exemplary laboratory records and data
• Support the writing of scientific publications
• Present the research findings at internal and external meetings
• PhD in Biopharmaceutical Technology or Chemical Engineering
• Proven experience (of at least two years) with Mass Spectrometry and glycan analysis
• Proven experience (of at least two years) in glycan sample preparation, including enzymatic release, labelling, and purification
• Proven experience (of at least two years) in automated platforms for glycosimilarity assessment
• Experience and strong understanding of biomarker panning and bioinformatic techniques for biomarker discovery and statistical analysis
• Leading author of an appropriate and relevant publication record for the career stage, having contributed directly to the mass spectrometry and glycan analysis work underpinning the publications
• A team player with a strong sense of ownership, integrity and responsibility in an industry-supported academic setting
• Demonstrated professionalism and accountability in funded research environments, with an understanding of the responsibilities associated with externally supported research
• Excellent communication skills in an English-speaking academic and industry work environment

Specific Requirements

• Experience in handling clinical samples
• Previous experience collaborating with industry or non-academic partners
• Experience of interacting with researchers from an interdisciplinary background
• Experience in co-training research students
• Motivated to work at the interface between academia and industry, with an appreciation of the demands of both work environments
• Very strong time management and organisation skills with proven ability to meet deadlines and project deliverables
• Understanding the routes to commercialisation and regulatory frameworks in in vitro diagnostics

Eligibility to Work in Ireland

Visa sponsorship is available for candidates who fully meet the essential criteria of the role. Candidates who require a work permit or hosting agreement are welcome to apply.

Proof of eligibility documentation will be required at a later stage in the recruitment process. Please note that sponsorship is subject to approval by the relevant Irish authorities and role-specific eligibility.