Research Fellow, School of Pharmacy

To be an active member within the Drug Delivery research at the School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast to assist in the planning and delivery of research within the area of ocular drug delivery so that the overall research objectives of the project are met.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Develop and plan research within the area of novel nanoparticle-based controlled release drug delivery systems for ocular applications.
• Design, develop and refine experimental apparatus and experiments appropriate to the preparation, characterisation and development of controlled release drug delivery systems.
• Develop and validate analytical/bio-analytical techniques; conduct stability studies, as per standard guidelines. Analytical techniques will include high performance liquid chromatography, ELISA, ultraviolet and fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Carry out in vivo animal experiments, analysis, critical evaluations, and interpretations using methodologies and other techniques appropriate for the characterisation of controlled release drug delivery systems.
• Present regular progress reports on research to members of the research group or to external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings.
• Prepare, in consultation with supervisor, reports/material for funding body, for publication in high-impact journals, and present at national/international conferences.
• Prepare documentation for commercialisation activities and meetings with industrial partners.
• Assist supervisor in the preparation of funding proposals, submissions to pharmaceutical companies and applications to external bodies.
• Carry out routine administrative duties as requested, e.g. organisation of project meetings and documentation and risk assessment of research activities Read academic papers, journals and textbooks to keep abreast of developments.
• Supervise, in consultation with supervisor, PG, UG and project students.
• Carry out any other duties designated by supervisor and which fall within the general ambit of the post.

Planning and Organising:

• Plan own day-to-day activity within the framework of the agreed research programme.
• Plan for specific aspects of research programmes. Timescales range from 1-3 months in advance and contribute to research group planning.
• Plan for the use of research resources, laboratories and workshops where appropriate.
• Plan up to 2 months in advance to meet deadlines for report submission to funding body, journal publications and to prepare
• presentations and papers for conferences.
• Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress.

Resource Management Responsibilities:

• Ensure research resources are used in an effective and efficient manner. Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research.

Internal and External Relationships:

• Liaise with research colleagues and students on routine matters.
• Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings.
• Join external networks to share information and ideas.
• Contribute to the School’s outreach programme by establishing links with local community groups, industries etc.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Good knowledge of the pharmaceutics, characterisation of drug delivery systems, mathematical modeling of drug release, and Applicants must have 2:1 Honours Degree or equivalent in Pharmacy, Polymer Science, or Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
• Hold a PhD in Pharmacy, Drug delivery, Polymer science or Pharmaceutics.
• At least 3 years of recent and relevant research experience in the area of drug delivery.
• Have experience in nano-/micro-particle based controlled release drug delivery systems.
• Experience in analytical/bio-analytical method development and validation, including HPLC.
• Have expertise in stability studies, characterization of delivery systems, and in vitro testing of biomaterials.
• Have experience in animal studies.
• Manage allotted tasks to completion and issuing of report.
• Liaison with external collaborators and sponsors. biodegradation.
• Practical problem-solving skills and independence of thought are required.
• Evidence of good technical writing skills.
• Evidence of good presentation skills.
• Evidence of publication(s) in journals and/or books.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks.
• A calm and conscientious scientist, able to work in a disciplined manner within a team environment.
• Ability to devise, advise on and manage research programmes.
• Skills in managing and motivating research staff and students.
• Must demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills and able to use own initiative.
• Capable of coordinating and motivating other team members.
• Must be willing to conduct in vivo studies. Irregular hours including weekend working will be a component of the research at times.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• 1st class Honours Degree in a Pharmacy, or Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
• Knowledge of polymer material properties.
• Knowledge of drug delivery and/or pharmaceutical technology.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical analysis.
• Demonstrate the knowledge of supervising postgraduate students undertaking project work.
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Knowledge of conducting biodegradation/biocompatibility studies.
• Knowledge of conducting in vivo experiments for drug delivery applications.