Four-Year funded PhD Studentship in Synthetic Biology for RNA Therapeutics

at  National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training NIBRT

VACANCY SUMMARY

Premature termination codons (PTCs) are responsible for 10–15% of all genetic disease. PTC mutations inhibit synthesis of full-length proteins and may be more deleterious than missense mutations as they result in the loss of protein expression. With no approved therapy and many severe disease phenotypes including cystic fibrosis, and muscular dystrophy, PTC-derived disease represents an unmet medical need. We are seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to develop novel RNA-therapeutics for treatment of PTC-related disease. Applicants are invited to apply for a four-year SFI-IRC funded PhD studentship working in the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT).
The project will be conducted under the direct supervision of Dr. Alan Costello and the student will be registered to the UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering.

ROLE PURPOSE

The lab aims to discover new-to-nature biomolecular functions for the betterment of human health and society. The successful applicant will work closely with the PI applying synthetic biology and directed evolution methods to uncover novel RNA-therapeutics. Working collaboratively, they will engineer and evolve transfer RNAs (tRNAs) to decode PTCs within the mRNA of disease related genes and identify strategies to improve delivery of these molecules.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform experiments including data collection and analysis, both individually and with others.
• Maintain a detailed record of all work and make this available to the PI routinely.
• Present project updates to the lab during group meetings.
• Disseminate research findings to the greater scientific community via oral or poster presentations at conferences, invited talks, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Comply with all NIBRT and UCD policies and regulations, including those in relation to Research Ethics, Data Storage, and Health and Safety.