Postdoctoral Researcher - Development and In Vitro Testing of Therapeutics Against Crohn’s Disease-associated Enterobacteriaceae

Postdoctoral Researcher - Development and In Vitro Testing of Therapeutics Against Crohn’s Disease-associated Enterobacteriaceae

Trinity College Dublin

Dublin, Ireland

Post Summary

Applications are invited for a motivated and self-driven postdoctoral researcher to join The O’Boyle Group based in The Department of Microbiology, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin. The project will involve the development and in vitro testing of therapeutics against Crohn’s disease-associated Enterobacteriaceae.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises distinct clinical subtypes, with unique microbial associations, pathological features and responses to treatment. Ileal Crohn’s disease (ICD) has the strongest association with over-proliferation of a specific family of bacteria, the Enterobacteriaceae. While their role in disease progression is poorly understood, they are considered an attractive target for therapies aimed at dampening IBD-associated inflammation. This project will involve the isolation and characterisation of opportunistic Enterobacteriaceae from intestinal biopsies, development of patient-derived organoids, metabolomics, metagenomics, advanced microscopy, dietary analysis, and classic microbiology. The project will be further supported by Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) whereby a team comprising inflammatory bowel disease patients and their family members will co-design elements of the research.

The appointed postdoc will be based at The Moyne Institute of Preventative Medicine and will form part of a vibrant multidisciplinary collaborative team including supervisor Dr Nicky O’Boyle, a PhD student, clinical gastroenterologists Prof Subrata Ghosh (University College Cork) and Prof Marietta Iacucci (University College Cork), biochemist Dr Susan Joyce (University College Cork), and nutritional scientist Prof Jens Walter (University College Cork). Additional funding will be provided for conference attendance and professional development. The anticipated start date is 1st September 2025.

Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post

The successful applicant will:

• Isolate, culture, and characterise bacterial strains from patient tissues;
• Develop intestinal organoids from patient biopsies and design experiments to test novel therapeutics;
• Process sensitive patient samples in a timely manner, including occasional travel to UCC to collect samples;
• Responsibly process and maintain sensitive patient data;
• Carry out multi-omics analysis including metabolomics and metagenomics;
• Keep accurate, up-to-date, detailed records of research;
• Participate in the scientific and intellectual developments within the group;
• Report regularly to the project supervisor;
• Contribute to dissemination in the form of research papers, review articles, and conference presentations;
• Work closely, and contribute to the training and development of other team members (Undergraduate students, MSc students, PhD students, and Research Assistants).

Person Specification

The ideal candidate must have, or be about to acquire a PhD in a relevant life science area such as Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry or Immunology. Evidence of major contribution to publication (first or second author contribution) in recognised journals is desired. A dynamic team player with excellent organisational skills is required. The post is applicable to both new and experienced postdoctoral researchers, and salary will be commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Applicants should hold a minimum upper-second class (2:1) honours degree (or equivalent) in a Bachelors degree, as well as a PhD, any of the following areas: Microbiology, Cell Biology, Clinical Microbiology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Immunology, Genetics, or other related life science discipline.

Knowledge & Experience (Essential & Desirable)

Essential:

• Prior experience in cell culture methodologies;
• Major contribution (first or second author) to a life science research paper either published, in press, or available as a preprint;
• Advanced/proficient fluency in English (C1 or C2 level);
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work productively with colleagues and collaborators.

Desirable:

• Experience working with pathogenic agents or experience working with advanced cell culture models (including long-term cell cultures, primary cell cultures, host-reflective tissue cultures such as organoids);
• An established track record of publication in leading journals/conferences on topics relevant to the post;
• Experience working with large datasets derived from omics technologies;
• Experience with sample preparation and application of microscopy including immunofluorescence, confocal laser scanning microscopy, histology or immunohistochemistry;
• Knowledge of microbial pathogenesis;
• Knowledge of inflammatory conditions including inflammatory bowel diseases;
• An understanding of patient oriented research.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word and Excel programmes;
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to work both alone and as part of a team;
• Able to take the initiative when working alone;
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines;
• Able to establish appropriate documentation and record keeping.

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