Research Assistant

Job Title: Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Researcher in Flexible Bioelectronics Department: Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Reporting to: Dr Ian Woods & Prof Fergal O'Brien Location: Tissue Engineering Research Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland 123 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2 Contract/Duration: Full-time, Specified purpose contract up to 12 months Remuneration: €30,000 - €50,000 (Depending on Experience) Closing Date: 14th August 2025 RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health.
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About Our Research RCSI recognises that excellence in research is critical to the quality of its educational activities, its credibility, and, overall, to its mission to enhance human health.
RCSI's research strategy aims to build upon its strength in translational biomedical and clinical research to deliver transformational, high impact changes in health care.
Targeting both Irish national and EU funding, along with increased collaboration with industry, is a major part of the RCSI research strategy.
Forging increased collaboration between RCSI PIs and industry is of critical importance to achieving success in this area.
RCSI is also committed to provide its researchers with the supports and developmental opportunities to enable them to continuously grow and support their overall career development.
Summary of Post This project targets the development of biohybrid flexible electrodes for responsive neural stimulation applications (e.g.
epilepsy).
The project aims to combine natural polymer biomaterials with cutting-edge conductive polymers and nanomaterials to overcome existing issues with compliance mismatch between standard electrode materials and brain tissue.
The project is part of the University of Galway and RCSI managed a Health Tech Accelerating Research Commercialization (ARC) Hub position and is co-funded through EU Regional Development funding.
Successful candidates will join a multidisciplinary team in Prof Fergal O'Brien's Tissue Engineering Research Group.
The project will involve development of a working prototype of the device and validation through in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo testing while contributing to commercialization activities (e.g.
business plan development) and IP applications.
Training courses in entrepreneurship will be available through the ARC Hub.
The project will combine aspects of additive manufacturing, hydrogel synthesis, tissue engineering, electrophysiology and electronic engineering.
We are looking for candidates with experience in tissue engineering, material science, neuroscience, immunology or electronic engineering.
Experience in neural tissue culture, animal handling, electrophysiology, materials science or electronic engineering is highly desirable.
Specifically, the duties of the post are: Outline the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
Make sure to keep it as specific as you can to ensure that you get appropriate applications.
Prototyping of electrode array using 3 D-printing technologies and biomaterial development.
Testing and characterization of device properties.
In vitro testing of device biocompatibility (e.g.
neural tissue culture, cytotoxicity assays, immunohistochemistry).
Ex vivo testing of device functionality (e.g.
electrophysiology).
In vivo implantation of device and subsequent tissue analysis.
Undertaking training in relevant entrepreneurship and business development skills via the ARC Hub services.
Development of Intellectual Property applications and research publications relevant to the project.
Grant writing and funding acquisition.
Qualifications - (Essential): List the primary University qualifications required.
List any additional qualifications that would be desirable Ph D in Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Electronic Engineering or a related topic (Postdoctoral Researcher) BSc/MSc in Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Electronic Engineering or a related topic (Research Assistant) Knowledge & Experience - (Essential): List any other critical skills, techniques or experience that is required Demonstrates knowledge and expertise within the field (e.g.
through publications, patents or research awards) Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and procedures that are relevant to the role.
This will include knowledge and understanding of Research Ethics, and may also include broader University, sector, and external sponsor or funder policies.
Demonstrates the ability to quickly adapt to new techniques and research environments.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Proficiency with basic molecular biology techniques (e.g.
rt-q PCR, assay kits, immunohistochemistry).
Past research experience in neuroscience/tissue engineering/bioelectronics.
Knowledge & Experience - (Desirable): List any other critical skills, techniques or experience that is required Experience in electrochemical analysis of materials.
Electrophysiology experience.
Electronics hardware design and manufacture (e.g.
wearable devices, wireless implants etc.) Experience in cellular or molecular mechanisms of scarring or fibrosis.
Cell/tissue culture experience.
LAST course qualification in animal handling.
Familiarity with research commercialization.
Demonstrates capacity to innovate and problem solve in research environments.
Track record of high impact research (e.g.
publications, research prizes, IP applications/patents) 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.
Application Process Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal on the closing date with your CV and cover letter.
Click here to read our Recruitment and Selection Policy for Researcher.
Informal Enquiries: Informal enquiries are invited in the first instance through Rebecca O'Brien, Human Resources Department email: ().
All applications for this post must be made through the career's webpage Rebecca can arrange for relevant queries on the academic aspects of the role to be addressed by the hiring manager.
Please note we do not accept CVs directly.

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