Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term contract position in Experimental Bone Mechanobiology within the Biomechanics Research Centre (BMEC), Biomedical Engineering at the College of Engineering and Informatics. The position is funded by the European Research Council and is available from January 1st 2014 to January 31st 2015.

Job Description:
We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to work on a project to investigate the cell mechanosensory mechanisms in bone cells. To fully understand bone mechanobiology it essential to identify the mechanisms by which bone cells sense mechanical stimuli. Recent studies suggest that mechanosensation may be facilitated by either integrins or primary cilia and that bone loss during osteoporosis may be related to degenerated mechanosensitivity. However, the mechanism of mechanotransduction is not fully understood for various bone cells during normal physiology and disease. Recent studies have shown that mechanical stimulation enhances bone tissue regeneration in vitro to a certain extent. However the precise mechanisms by which mechanical stimulation can enhance regeneration is not yet fully understood. The successful candidate will undertake research to understand bone mechanotransduction mechanisms during estrogen deficiency using a combination of in vitro cell culture, immunohistochemistry with epifluorescent and confocal microscopy, live cell imaging, RT-PCR, parallel plate flow studies, and bioreactor design and development.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have a track record in a research and development environment and strong Mechanobiology experience is essential. This position would be particularly suitable to a researcher that has a PhD in Biomedical Engineering or the Biological Sciences. The successful candidate would have significant research experience in one or more of the following areas: in vitro cell culture, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, mechanosensation by integrins or primary cilia. Experience in parallel plate flow studies or bioreactor technology would be preferable. The researcher will work closely with other members of a multidisciplinary project team including PIs, clinicians, postdoctoral and postgraduate researchers in the Biomechanics Research Centre (BMEC) and the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Sciences (NCBES). Excellent communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, independent initiative and ability to work in a collaborative environment are required. A strong publication record is desirable and the candidate must be able to contribute to the overall success of the lab.
Salary: €37,750 – € 46,255 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply)

Start date: Position is available from January 1st 2014

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Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway. Further information about Biomedical Engineering is available at www.nuigalway.ie/mechbio Informal enquiries may be made to Laoise.McNamara@nuiglway.ie .

To Apply: Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Dr. Laoise Mc Namara: Laoise.McNamara@nuiglway.ie. Please put reference number NUIG-83-13 in subject line of e-mail application