Postdoctoral Research Posts in Innate Immunity, Trinity College Dublin

Applications are invited for Postdoctoral Research positions in Prof. Andrew Bowie’s lab in the School of Biochemistry and Immunology in Trinity College Dublin. The Bowie lab is situated in the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, a global centre of excellence for Immunology research (www.tcd.ie/biosciences). Our research focuses on innate immune sensing and signalling mechanisms of relevance to inflammation and autoimmunity (www.tcd.ie/Biochemistry/research/a_bowie.php).
We also investigate how pathogens evade and subvert detection by the host response. Our work has shed light on how pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytosolic DNA sensors recognise pathogens, leading to the induction of type I interferons (IFNs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These IFNs and cytokines control infection locally as well as coordinating the adaptive immune response. We also investigate how PRRs and inflammasomes drive inflammation and cell death through the recognition of nucleic acid such as mislocalised self-DNA, to more fully understand how autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are initiated and exacerbated.

Four Science Foundation Ireland-funded postdoctoral positions are immediately available.
The successful candidates will have a PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or a
related discipline, with a proven publication record. They will be highly motivated individuals with a
passion to work on an intellectually-stimulating project at the cutting edge of current knowledge of
innate immunity and inflammation. They will enjoy working as part of a team, and have excellent oral and written communication skills.

PDRA1 and PDRA2 (2 years initially) are available to recent PhD graduates to work on a programme of research which addresses the role of SARM (Sterile alpha and HEAT/Armadillo motif protein) in regulating inflammation in mammalian cells. We have discovered that SARM, one of the most evolutionarily conserved innate immune proteins, is a regulator of PRR and inflammasome responses in macrophages. Thus SARM may have a role in inflammatory disease and in this project we will build on exciting preliminary data to determine the role of SARM in (1) gene transcription, (2) inflammasome regulation and (3) pyroptosis, using biochemical, cell and animal model approaches. Experience in any of the following would be an advantage: global transcriptome analysis (RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq), CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, retroviral transduction of mammalian cells, confocal microscopy.

PDRA3 (2 years initially) is available to an individual with previous postdoctoral research experience
in innate immunity or microbiology. This project will investigate innate immune responses
underpinning bacteria-host interactions, with a focus on Klebsiella pneumoniae. This project is funded by SFI and the BBSRC and is a collaboration with Prof Jose Bengoechea (Queens University Belfast). We will examine how DNA sensing and PRR and inflammasome activation define bacterial responses in vitro and disease outcomes in vivo.

PDRA4 (6 month project initially) will characterise novel anti-inflammatory peptides derived from
poxviral proteins that target host innate immune signalling pathways. A series of peptides that have
been identified to inhibit PRR-induced cytokines will be tested in vitro and in vivo with a view to
determining their mechanisms of action and to developing novel anti-inflammatories. Essential skills:
cell culture, gene expression and cytokine analysis (qPCR, ELISA), Western blotting.

Applications should be emailed to Prof. Andrew Bowie (agbowie@tcd.ie). Please indicate which
post you are interested in, and include covering letter, CV and the name of two referees, and send
applications as soon as possible or by the closing date of 31st August 2017. Informal enquiries are
welcome to agbowie@tcd.ie. Suitable applicants will be invited to interview in person or by Skype.