Neurovascular Senior Research Fellow Cell Therapy

Neurovascular Senior Research Fellow Cell Therapy Contract: 30-month Fixed Term | Full-time This position is part of a Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) programme developing a dual-cell therapy (MSC + ECFC) for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), delivered alongside standard-of-care therapeutic hypothermia. We are seeking a Senior Research Fellow to lead the analytical and mechanistic development workstream, building the assays, models, and data packages required to progress this therapy toward First-In-Human Phase 1 clinical trials. The Opportunity In this role, you will: Lead analytical development for a novel dual-cell therapy targeting neonatal hypoxia-associated brain injury. Design and refine in vitro hypoxia and neurovascular models relevant to neonatal brain injury. Own the CQA, potency, and release assay strategy for MSC and ECFC products. Drive proteomic, transcriptomic (RNA-seq), and multi-omics studies to define mechanism of action and biomarkers. Work within a state-of-the-art ATMP/biologics environment at a national core facility. Partner with cell manufacturing, regulatory, and clinical translation teams across the consortium. This role suits a senior postdoctoral researcher / research fellow seeking to step into a translational, milestone-driven environment while maintaining strong scientific depth. Key Responsibilities Design, establish, and optimise in vitro hypoxia models for neonatal brain injury. Validate models for reproducibility and translational relevance. Plan and perform proteomic and RNA-seq studies to elucidate the mechanism of action of MSC/ECFC co-therapy. Integrate multi-omics datasets to define therapeutic pathways and biomarkers. Define and characterise Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) for MSCs and ECFCs (identity, purity, viability, immunophenotype). Develop, qualify, and implement CQA and potency assays; build a potency matrix aligned with therapeutic function. Develop release assays to support product consistency and regulatory expectations for ATMPs. Collaborate with consortium partners to integrate assays into GMP and downstream activities. Design and run cell-based functional assays to screen and characterise therapeutic leads. Analyse complex datasets from omics platforms and functional assays, presenting clear and actionable conclusions. Manage project timelines, risks, and deliverables according to the Can-Vas project plan. Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team (postdocs, students, research assistants), fostering collaboration and high standards. Contribute to manuscripts, grant reports, and regulatory submission content. Present findings at consortium meetings, conferences, and stakeholder briefings. Essential Criteria PhD in neuroscience, cell therapy, regenerative medicine, or a closely related field. Minimum 6 years of post-PhD research experience in a relevant area. Demonstrated experience developing and validating in vitro and/or in vivo models of hypoxia or neurovascular injury. Strong hands-on expertise with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) or related endothelial progenitors. Demonstrated experience with proteomics and transcriptomics (RNA-seq) for mechanism-of-action studies. Experience defining and assessing CQAs (identity, purity, viability) for cell therapy products. Proven track record in developing potency assays and release criteria for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). Hands-on work with neuronal or neurovascular models, including vascularneural interactions. Strong analytical skills and competence working with complex biological datasets and bioinformatics tools. Evidence of research leadership, including: Strong publication record in relevant peer-reviewed journals. Presentations at international scientific conferences. Supervision of junior researchers and/or PhD students. Experience managing research projects to defined milestones and timelines. Excellent scientific writing and communication skills. Experience contributing to regulatory submissions and familiarity with ATMP or First-In-Human frameworks. Experience in a translational research environment and in multi-partner or industryacademic collaborations. Desired (Highly Advantageous) Experience with iPSC culture and differentiation, particularly into endothelial or neuronal lineages. Prior research in neonatal brain injury, HIE, stroke, or related neurodevelopmental disorders. Exposure to GMP-aligned or regulated cell therapy environments. Experience with Irish/EU funding frameworks (DTIF, SFI, HRB, Horizon Europe). Whats on Offer Competitive salary. Pension, private health insurance, and income protection. 25 days annual leave plus up to 3 company days. Strong training and professional development support. Flexible working hours within a full-time, lab-based research role. Opportunity to build a high-impact profile at the intersection of cell therapy, neurovascular science, and clinical translation within a leading national facility. Skills: ECFCs neurovascular models MSCs