University College Dublin

PhD Studentship in Cellular Signalling
A PhD position is available in our research group in the UCD Conway Institute. The project will focus on the identification and characterization of new components of cyclic nucleotide signalling networks in human platelets. Platelets mediate crucial events in wound healing and thrombosis leading to myocardial infarction and stroke. The goal of this work is to understand the molecular mechanisms mediating inhibitory actions of cyclic nucleotides on platelet adhesion, secretion and aggregation. Ultimately we aim to identify new diagnostic and therapeutic targets in cardiovascular disease. A broad spectrum of methods will be used in this project ranging from molecular biology to biochemistry and mass spectrometry and various cell-based assay systems. Examples of our work can be found in the following publications: Schultess et al. (2005) Blood 105: 3185-3192, Hoffmeister et al. (2008) J Biol Chem. 283: 2297-2306.
This project is part of a study funded by Science Foundation Ireland. Funding is available for up to 4 years starting 1st of January 2009 (later start date possible) and will include a stipend of €20000 per annum, plus fees.
The project will be integrated into the postgraduate program structure of UCD Conway Institute: http://www.ucd.ie/conway/education/postgraduate
The group is located in a new state of the art research building at University College Dublin: http://www.ucd.ie/conway
Candidates (EU only) should have or should be about to obtain a degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacy, medicine or related areas. Please send your application including CV, grades and at least one reference by email to albert.smolenski@ucd.ie
Dr. Albert SmolenskiConway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical ResearchSchool of Medicine and Medical ScienceUniversity College DublinBelfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
http://www.ucd.ie/research/people/medicinemedicalscience/dralbertpetersmolenski