Description

Post Date : 23-May-2022 Close Date : 10-Jun-2022

Title : Post doctoral researcher

Department : Department of Surgery

Tenure : 3 years

Location : RCSI, Saint Stephens Green, Dublin 2

Reporting to : Professor Leonie Young

Salary : Appointable at Level 2 on the Postdoctoral Researcher scale depending on prior experience

Overall purpose of this position

Breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) are a frequent and aggressive form of metastatic spread; with limited treatment options. To better understand potential drivers and novel targets, genomic, transcriptomic and clinical data from a cohort of 45 primary tumours with paired brain metastasis has been comprehensively characterised. Based on preliminary data we hypothesize that the optimal targeting of the homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) pathways may yield improved clinical outcome in patients with BCBMs. The objective of this Breast Cancer Now funded position is to determine if brain metastasis are sensitive to drug inhibition using PARP inhibitors.

The HRD signature will be validated in an independent patient cohort. Using patient-derived BCBM organoids and tumour explants the efficacy of PARP inhibitors will be assessed. In parallel, the blood-brain-barrier penetrance will be evaluated utilizing BBB 3D biometric biohybrid models and in vivo studies. The molecular correlates of response to PARP inhibitors will be determined in patients by performing mutational, gene expression and IHC studies.

Specifically, the duties of the post are:

To lead a study determining the sensitivity of breast cancer brain metastases to drug inhibition using PARP inhibitors

To independently plan, execute, analyse, and manage multiple experiments simultaneously

To maintain accurate, detailed records of experimental data and protocols

To create visually impactful representations of data for publications and presentations

To work in a team environment and, as needed, train new personnel and mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students as required

Contribute to the preparation of high-impact peer review scientific publications and to disseminate research findings at national and international meetings

Application Process

Please apply online no later than 5pm on 10.06.2022 with your CV and Covering Letter.