Neurovascular Senior Research Fellow

Neurovascular Senior Research Fellow – Cell TherapyContract: 30-month Fixed Term | Full-timeA Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) program developing a dual-cell therapy (MSC + ECFC) for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), alongside standard-of-care therapeutic hypothermia.We are hiring a Senior Research Fellow to lead the analytical and mechanistic development workstream – building the assays, models and data packages that move this therapy toward First-In-Human Phase 1 trials.The OpportunityYou 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 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 s national core facility.Partner with cell manufacturing, regulatory and clinical translation teams across the consortium.This role suits a senior postdoc / research fellow who wants to step into a translational, milestone-driven environment while keeping strong scientific depth.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, 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 for MSC/ECFC co-therapy mechanism of action.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, and 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 for screening therapeutic leads.Analyse complex datasets from omics platforms and functional assays, and present clear conclusions.Manage project timelines and deliverables in line with the Can-Vas project plan.Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team (postdocs, students, RAs), fostering collaboration and high standards.Contribute to manuscripts, grant reports and regulatory submission content.Present findings at consortium meetings, conferences and stakeholder briefings.Essential CriteriaPhD in neuroscience, cell therapy, regenerative medicine or a closely related field.At least 6 years’ post-PhD experience in a relevant research area.Proven 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 closely related endothelial progenitors.Demonstrated experience in proteomics and transcriptomics (RNA-seq) for mechanism-of-action studies.Experience defining and assessing CQAs (identity, purity, viability) for cell products.Track record in developing potency assays and release criteria for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).Hands-on work with neuronal or neurovascular models, including vascular–neural interactions.Strong analytical skills and confidence working with complex biological datasets and bioinformatics tools.Evidence of research leadership:Strong publication record in relevant journals.Presentations at international conferences.Supervision of junior researchers and/or PhD students.Experience managing research projects to defined milestones and timelines.Strong scientific writing and presentation skills.Experience contributing to regulatory submissions and familiarity with ATMP or First-In-Human frameworks.Experience in a translational research environment and multi-partner or industry-academic collaborations.Desired (Highly Advantageous)iPSC culture and differentiation experience, especially into endothelial or neuronal lineages.Prior work 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).What’s on OfferCompetitive salary.Pension, private health insurance and income protection.25 days’ annual leave plus up to 3 company days.Strong training and career development support.Flexible working hours within a full-time, lab-based research role.Opportunity to build a profile at the interface of cell therapy, neurovascular science and clinical translation within a national flagship facility.How to ApplyIf this sounds like the next step in your research career and you want your work to move closer to patients:Contact me directly on or call in strictest confidence#LI-DB4