Research Assistant (TB Research Group)

Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Post Summary

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global challenge causing more than one million deaths annually. TB therapy is characterised by a long duration of treatment and the administration of a number of antibiotic drugs to overcome drug resistance. The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant TB demonstrates that current treatments are inadequate and there is an urgent need for novel therapies. Research is now focused on the development of host-directed therapies which can be used in combination with existing antimicrobials, with a special focus on promoting host defense, particularly cellular metabolism. The current post focuses on the use of new and innovative strategies, aimed at boosting the host response, increasing antibiotic efficacy and decreasing our reliance on antibiotics in the clinic. Further details of Prof. Joe Keane’s research group can be found at http://people.tcd.ie/josephmk. The appointee will work as part of a team of post-doctoral scientists and graduate students led by Professor Keane. The tuberculosis immunology research group uses primary human cells and molecular biology techniques to study macrophage, dendritic cell and T cell responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Techniques that will be employed by the successful candidate include cell culture (BSL1 and BSL2), ELISA, RT-qPCR, transfection, western blotting, cell exclusion assays, flow cytometry and Seahorse metabolic flux assays.

Standard Duties & Responsibilities of the Post

The appointee will process blood and bronchial lavage samples and will undertake laboratory experiments to support the research activities of the supervisor or project to which the research assistant is assigned. In addition, the appointee will pro-actively support the day-to-day running of the lab by doing general lab and administrative duties and will aid in the supervision of students working on research projects related to the supervisor. Moreover, the candidate will help perform experiments for the acquisition of preliminary data for prospective research grant proposals.

Funding Information

• This post is funded from the Royal City of Dublin Hospital Trust (RCDH) grant.

Qualifications

• BA/BSc in biological sciences or a relevant discipline (minimum).

Knowledge & Experience

• Previous laboratory experience (essential) (include BSc/MSc research project(s)).
• Excellent data organising skills (essential).
• Knowledge of immunology and/or cellular metabolism (desirable).
• Experience with cell culture and PBMC isolation from human blood (desirable).
• Proven record of clear scientific thinking (evidence of independence desirable).

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent organisation skills (essential)
• Excellent communication skills; excellent level of English (essential)
• Excellent interpersonal and writing skills
• The candidate should be enthusiastic about translational clinical research.

Application Procedure

Applicants should send a single PDF consisting of their CV, the names and contact details of 2

referees and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the post by email to Dr. James Phelan, Please insert ‘Research Assistant Position’ in the subject line of the email.