Postdoctoral Researcher
Bioactives from Aquaculture Waste
School of Chemistry
Ref. No: NUIG 83-12
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a 2-year fixed-term contract post of
Postdoctoral Researcher based at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) to work on the
Marine Functional Foods Research Initiative (Nutramara programme). Nutramara is an Irish
collaborative research programme for the development of marine-based functional foods, established
by the Marine Institute and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF). It is supported
by funds provided under the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2013 (SSTI) and
the Food Institutional Research Measure (FIRM). The Nutramara programme involves a consortium of
Teagasc and five universities (NUIG, UCC, UCD, UL and UU Coleraine). The research position based
at NUIG will involve close interactions with other projects, such as the Beaufort Biodiscovery Project.
Job description:
Aquaculture based materials remain an underutilized resource and a potential source of bioactive
compounds. The main focus of the post-doctoral position is the extraction, profiling, purification, and
chemical characterisation of bioactives, predominantly primary metabolites (proteins/peptides,
carbohydrates and lipids) from aquaculture waste streams particularly those from the shellfish. S/he will
work closely with consortium members in bioactivity profiling of the extracts. The occupant is expected
to work independently as part of the NutraMara team, and will integrate into a highly interactive
environment. Effective communication skills are a desirable attribute as communication across a broad
range of scientific disciplines is part of the programme. The occupant will be partly involved and will
build strategic linkages with other relevant research projects such as the Beaufort Biodiscovery project.
The appointee will be responsible for the day-to-day activities in the laboratory, writing reports and
publications and will assist supervision of junior staff members and students.
Main duties and responsibilities:
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Collect marine materials, which will involve trips to aquaculture businesses or field stations
Maintain sample details and research records for generated extracts
Develop and optimize extraction methods using solvent based systems and fermentation
methods
Perform chemical profiling, qualitative and quantitative analysis of extracts by HPLC, LC-MS,
GC-MS and other methods
Fractionation/enrichment and purification of metabolites, particularly proteins and peptides
Chemical characterization and structure/sequence determination of natural metabolites,
particularly proteins and peptides
Write reports, conduct literature reviews and curate data as required by the project
management team.
Seek opportunities to promote the work of the Nutramara programme, through conference and
workshop presentations, and dissemination activities including publication of papers in high
impact, peer reviewed journals.
Take responsibility for delivery of project objectives associated with NUI Galway
Assist the project management team and interact with related PhD projects at NUI Galway and
the project partners in the consortium
Assist the supervision of postgraduate and undergraduate students
Manage or provide significant assistance to the operations of a research laboratory including
maintaining laboratory equipment and materials, the disposal of waste and the ordering of
supplies
Provide high level of administrative and financial management support for research projects
and programs including the maintenance and use of electronic and paper based information
systems, data bases, websites etc
Ensure that the project is carried out on time in accordance with the work programme and with
reference to the appropriate health and safety guidelines and any other relevant NUI Galway
policies (e.g., purchasing and procurement).
Keep abreast of developments, activities and protocols in area of expertise through liaison with
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staff and peers, reading relevant literature and attendance at meetings and seminars;
Maintain confidentiality of Intellectual Property (IP) associated with the project and liaise with
the project IP committee to ensure this.
Assist in the application and protection of IP by identifying potential research results of value
and preparing supporting documentation as required by the IP committee and Technology
Transfer Office.
Skills required:
 A PhD in natural products chemistry/food chemistry/biochemistry or a similar field
 Extensive competence in optimizing extraction and fermentation of natural metabolites, in
particular primary metabolites including proteins/peptides, lipids, sugars
 Demonstrated competence and experience in fractionation/enrichment/purification of primary
metabolites, particularly proteins and peptides (by dialysis, ultrafiltration, ion exchange, gel
filtration and other methods)
 Demonstrated experience in qualitative/quantitative analysis, characterization and
structure/sequence determination of (primary) natural metabolites (by NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS,
SDS-PAGE, Edman degradation and other relevant methods)
 A full driving licence
 Evidence of scientific publication in high-ranking journals and dissemination of results at
conferences
 Demonstrated experience in writing research proposals and conference papers
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills with proven ability to effectively analyse
information and produce clear, concise reports or documents requiring interaction with other
parties
 Ability to solve problems by using discretion, innovation and the exercise of high level of
diagnostic skills within areas of functional responsibility or professional expertise
 Planning and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks, set and meet
deadlines
 Demonstrated laboratory management skills (managing stocks of consumables, laboratory
organization etc)
 Proficiency with basic informatics tools (Excel, PowerPoint, basic informatics etc)
 Ability to work independently, motivation, enthusiasm and curiosity
Desirable skills:
 Experience in proteomics and/or metabolomics applications
 Prior hands-on experience with in vitro biological assays, set up and testing
 Evidence of outreach activities and/or links to industry
 Experience of IP procedures relevant to university research
Informal enquiries may be made to Prof. Deniz Tasdemir at deniz.tasdemir@nuigalway.ie
Salary: €38,286 p.a. (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply)
Start date: 15th November 2012
To apply: Applications should be sent as a single file (in Word or PDF only) and include; 1) a covering
letter stating the reason and suitability for applying for this specific research project, 2) a full curriculum
vitae, and 3) the names and contact details of at least three but not more than five referees who can be
contacted for confidential references to: deniz.tasdemir@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG-83-12 in subject line of e-mail when submitting application.
Closing date extended to 5pm on Friday 19th October 2012
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer