Rory Johnson

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.