Postdoctoral researcher - Breast cancer brain metastases

at  RCSI

Department: Department of Surgery
Reporting to: Professor Leonie Young
Location: RCSI, St Stephens Green, Dublin 2
Contract/Duration: 3 Years
Remuneration: €43,371
Closing Date: 28.06.2024
RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health. Here, you will thrive in an innovative and inclusive atmosphere and your personal development and wellbeing will be supported. We invite you to join us to help deliver on our exciting mission “To educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health”. We seek candidates whose experience to date has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to the “Race Equality Action Plan 2021-2024” at RCSI. Our students come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. This makes our university stronger and ensures we hire the best talent.

SUMMARY OF POST

Breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) are a frequent and aggressive form of metastatic spread with limited treatment options. The successful candidate will join Prof Leonie Young and her team to identify the molecular mechanisms controlling the evolution of metastasis in breast cancer and define key regulators of metastatic spread.
The project is funded by an Interreg Atlantic Area award. The objective of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of breast cancer brain metastasis using advanced patient model systems. The research will involve identifying potential drivers and novel therapeutic targets in breast cancer models. The project will generate 3D cell culture systems in conjunction with novel hydrogels from marine organisms. These patient models will be used to perform drug screens and determine therapy response in breast cancer. Techniques employed will include a wide range of molecular biology methods including cell and organoid culture, transcriptomics, protein and sequencing analysis.
The research project will be conducted in a highly collaborative environment. The successful candidate will be expected to design and carry out experimental plans, lead study execution, analyse experimental data, prepare manuscripts and mentor a PhD student. The candidate will also be expected to support other ongoing research projects in the lab.

QUALIFICATIONS – (ESSENTIAL):

• The candidate should have a higher degree (PhD or equivalent) in the area of cancer research/molecular biology or relevant area.

Knowledge & Experience – (Essential):

• Experience in routine molecular biology techniques such as western blot, PCR, tissue culture, immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy
• Statistical analysis skills

We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application — we’d love to hear from you.

• To lead a study investigating the mechanisms of breast cancer brain metastasis using advanced patient model systems
• To independently plan, execute, analyse, and manage multiple experiments simultaneously
• To maintain accurate, detailed records of experimental data and protocols
• To create visually impactful representations of data for publications and presentations
• To work in a team environment and, as needed, train new personnel and mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students as required
• Contribute to the preparation of high-impact peer review scientific publications and to disseminate research findings at national and international meetings