Research Assistant

Job Title: Research Assistant (Life Sciences) Department: School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences Reporting to: Dr Sam Maher Location: St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Contract/Duration: Full time - Specified purpose contract 12 months (With potential for an additional 6 months) Remuneration: Aligned with IUA Research Assistant Salary Scale (commensurate with experience (up to Level 1 Point 6) Closing Date: 23:45pm on Sunday 28th of September 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 Renovate Pharma is a pipeline start-up venture at RCSI that aims to repurpose an established oral drug as a novel inhalable antifibrotic for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and related interstitial lung diseases.
By repurposing a drug with an established safety profile, Renovate aims to reduce development risk while using inhaled delivery to enable targeted lung dosing and maximise therapeutic benefit.
We are seeking a highly motivated science graduate with a strong interest in pharmaceutical R&D, translational research, and entrepreneurialism.
The ideal candidate will be diligent and self-motivated, with excellent attention to experimental detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
They should be comfortable working independently on defined tasks while contributing to shared project goals within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
The candidate will work closely with internal team members and have the opportunity to learn new analytical techniques, while gaining valuable experience across both the technical and commercial aspects of drug development within a project focused on spin-out and commercialisation.
The Research Assistant will support laboratory-based activities across formulation development and in vitro testing within a translational drug development programme.
Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and Postdoctoral Researcher, the RA will contribute to preclinical research on an inhalable therapy for pulmonary fibrosis.
This includes assisting with the preparation and characterisation of test formulations, supporting quality assurance for in vivo batches, and conducting cellular assays to evaluate therapeutic activity.
The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in a multidisciplinary research environment, with exposure to pharmaceutical R&D, commercialisation, and potential spin-out activity.
This role provides an excellent foundation for candidates interested in pursuing further academic or industry-based career paths.
Key Duties: Assist with batch production of test formulations for in vitro and in vivo studies Perform physicochemical and analytical testing (qualitative and quantitative) Conduct cellular and molecular assays (e.g. potency, efficacy, toxicity, gene expression) Support experimental design, data interpretation and reporting Collaborate on technical and commercial project objectives Present findings through written reports and team updates Qualifications We welcome applications from candidates with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, pharmacology, cellular and molecular therapeutics, life sciences, chemical/biomedical engineering, or a related field.
Knowledge & Experience Previous laboratory experience is desirable (training provided) Strong attention to detail and excellent record keeping skills Familiarity with standard laboratory instrumentation and procedures Committed to good laboratory practices Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work to deadlines and adapt flexibly on a busy research project Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic data handling An interest in translational research and commercialisation is highly valued 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 Florencia Raimondo, Human Resources Department (email: ).
All applications for this post must be made through the career's webpage Florencia Raimondo 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.