Postdoctoral Positions
Mucosal/Innate Immunology/Host-Pathogen Interactions (2) and
Structural/Cell Biology/ Modeling (1)
Location
University College Dublin, Ireland’s largest university, is committed to tackling global challenges in Health, Agri-Food, Culture & Society, ICT, Energy and the Environment. The positions are based in the School of Medicine and Conway Institute, an interdisciplinary research center exploring fundamental mechanisms of chronic disease for novel diagnostic & therapeutic solutions. State-of-the-art facilities, innovative approaches, clinical collaborations and international reach permit advancing biomedical science for the benefit of patients and society.
Project description
The mucosal barrier of the intestine is together with the microbiota and innate immune cells the first line of defense against pathogens. Understanding molecular mechanisms that protect the host from microbial insult, and how some responses may damage the host is crucial for developing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapies. Second messengers such as reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RONS) can have beneficial as well as detrimental effects. The overall outcome depends on precise spatial and temporal regulation of these second messengers by the affected cell populations. The signaling circuits regulating the production of these molecules constitute an ideal target for intervention in disease. Our laboratory employs structure-function studies, modelling, animal models and functional evaluation of clinical mutants to gain insight into NADPH oxidases, the key ROS source in eukaryotic organisms.
Qualifications
Two positions will focus on animal models of gastrointestinal disease in the context of host-commensal and/or host-pathogen communication, acute/chronic inflammation, injury and subsequent tissue restitution. Successful applicants will hold a PhD in Pharmacology, Cell Biology, Microbiology or related disciplines and should have previous experience in animal experimentation, and additionally in bacteriology and/or advanced microscopy (Ref 009918, 009983). The third position requires a PhD in Biochemistry, Structural Biology or related discipline with expertise in protein purification, mammalian cell biology and homology modeling (ref 009919). A strong theoretical and practical background in 3D structure assessment and computational methods as well as the ability to collaborate well within and outside of the group will be beneficial. We are seeking independent and motivated candidates that will take leadership of their projects, communicate well in English and are excellent team players. Proof of research and scientific writing skills with published articles as first author in high ranking, peer-reviewed journals must be provided. Standard laboratory technical and computational skills are expected.
Applications will be online through
www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/ with the above listed reference numbers.
Further details of the projects can be obtained from Prof Ulla G Knaus (
[email protected]).
