Niall Barron

This PhD position at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) in Dublin, Ireland, focuses on developing tools to target epitranscriptomic modifications on transgenic mRNA. The project is motivated by the growing interest in mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics, especially following the success of Covid-19 vaccines, and aims to improve the yield and efficiency of biotherapeutic production cell lines. The research will involve engineering host cells to introduce or remove specific mRNA methylation events, which can enhance mRNA stability and translation, ultimately boosting the production of therapeutic proteins and viral gene therapy vectors. Key objectives include selectively deleting or overexpressing genes involved in RNA methylation in CHO, HEK293, and other cell lines, creating transgenic lines expressing programmable RNA methyltransferases or demethylases, and evaluating the productivity of these engineered lines for recombinant proteins and gene therapy vectors. The host laboratory specializes in the molecular mechanisms underlying the production of biological medicines, using advanced omics technologies and genetic engineering strategies to optimize cell lines for manufacturing monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic proteins, and gene therapy vectors. The project includes secondments to partner labs, including University College Dublin and Baseclick GmbH in Germany, providing opportunities for international collaboration. Applicants should have a BSc or MSc in Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field, with research experience in cellular and molecular biology techniques. Proficiency in English is required, and candidates must comply with the MSCA mobility rule. The position is fully funded through an EU programme and offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment with a focus on nucleic acid therapeutics and personalized medicine. The application deadline is January 31, 2026. For more information and to apply, candidates should visit the provided links and submit their application materials as instructed.

The INT2ACT Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) project is offering PhD opportunities at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT). This project focuses on advanced research in bioprocessing and biochemical engineering, providing aspiring PhD students with the chance to work in a leading research environment. The program is part of the prestigious Marie Curie ITN, which is known for its comprehensive training, international collaboration, and strong funding support. While specific eligibility requirements and funding details are not provided in the post, Marie Curie ITN positions are typically fully funded and open to candidates with a strong background in relevant scientific or engineering disciplines. Interested applicants should check the INT2ACT or NIBRT websites for further information on application procedures and deadlines.

The Transformation of Advanced Medicines Manufacture (TRANS-AM) programme offers three fully funded PhD positions focused on overcoming manufacturing challenges in gene therapy, specifically the production and characterisation of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors. This ambitious five-year collaborative initiative is led by the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT) and University College Dublin (UCD), in partnership with APC-VLE Ltd., a leading Irish industrial partner. The programme integrates academic excellence with industrial relevance, providing students with a multidisciplinary research environment and opportunities for industrial placements. Gene therapies represent a rapidly growing field with the potential to treat and cure a range of life-altering diseases. However, the sector faces significant challenges in scaling up rAAV production to meet clinical and commercial demands. TRANS-AM aims to develop innovative solutions to enable scalable, efficient, and high-quality viral vector manufacture, supporting the next generation of gene therapies. Three distinct PhD projects are available: Project 1: CRISPR Library Screening to Identify Endogenous HEK293 Genes Impacting AAV Production (Supervisors: Prof. Niall Barron, Assoc. Prof. Colin Clarke). This project uses genome-wide CRISPR screening to identify and validate genes in HEK293 cells that affect AAV yield, with training in advanced molecular biology and cell engineering techniques. Project 2: Improving rAAV Safety through Glycoengineering (Supervisor: Dr. Ioscani Jiménez del Val). This project focuses on enzymatic and genetic glycan remodelling to reduce immunogenicity of rAAV vectors, combining enzyme catalysis, cell culture, and data analytics. Project 3: Process Analytical Technology Applications for Monitoring AAV Production (Supervisor: Dr. Jonathan Bones). This project develops process analytical technologies (PAT) for real-time monitoring and control of AAV production in bioreactors, involving spectroscopic tools, automated sampling, and multivariate data analysis. Successful candidates will be based at NIBRT or UCD in Dublin, with access to world-class research infrastructure and training. The programme is ideal for ambitious, innovative individuals with backgrounds in biotechnology, bioengineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, analytical science, or related fields. Applicants should hold or expect a high 2.1 or 1.1 degree in a relevant discipline. Experience in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, or data analytics is advantageous but not essential. Strong motivation, teamwork, and communication skills are required. Funding includes a €25,000 annual stipend plus tuition fees for four years, supported by Research Ireland (23/SP/12173). The application deadline is August 31, 2026. For Project 2, apply via the provided Google Forms link; for Projects 1 and 3, email your application to [email protected]. Informal enquiries can be directed to the relevant supervisors by email. For more information, visit the FindAPhD project page or the APC-VLE Ltd. website .