Position Overview

Trinity College Dublin is offering two fully-funded PhD studentships to conduct groundbreaking research in corneal tissue engineering. Supervised by Prof. Mark Ahearne, this project aims to investigate the impact of different mechanical environments on corneal cell cultures and their ability to regenerate tissue suitable for transplantation.

This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to advancing ocular tissue engineering while receiving comprehensive training in cutting-edge biological and bioengineering techniques.

Eligibility Requirements

We are hiring motivated candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Academic Qualifications:
  • A First-Class Honours degree or MSc in a relevant discipline such as Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Skills and Experience:
  • Essential: Prior experience in cell culture.
  • Desirable: Familiarity with one or more of the following:
    • Tissue engineering and biomaterials synthesis.
    • Scaffold fabrication and materials characterization.
    • Cell imaging, histology, and immunohistochemistry.
    • Biochemical assays, RT-PCR, and flow cytometry.
      Training will be provided for skills where candidates have limited experience.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research and Development:
   • Explore the mechanical environment’s influence on corneal cell cultures and tissue regeneration.
   • Develop innovative methods for culturing cells to generate transplant-ready tissues.
2. Experimental Techniques:
   • Engage in tissue engineering, biomaterials development, and scaffold fabrication.
   • Utilize advanced techniques such as cell imaging, histology, and RT-PCR for analysis.
3. Collaboration and Dissemination:
   • Collaborate with peers within the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering.
   • Present findings at national and international conferences.

What We Offer

• Funding and Financial Support:
  • Full coverage of tuition fees.
  • Competitive annual stipend.
• Research Environment:
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities at the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering.
  • Opportunity to work with leading experts in tissue engineering and biomaterials.
• Professional Development:
  • Comprehensive training in biological and bioengineering techniques.
  • Support for attending international conferences and workshops.

Application Process

• Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 15th January 2025.
• How to Apply:
  Interested candidates should send the following documents to Prof. Mark Ahearne.
  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing academic qualifications and relevant experience.
  2. Cover Letter: Highlighting your interest in the project and suitability for the role.
  3. Referee Details: Contact information for two academic or professional referees.

Informal inquiries about the position are welcome.