Postdoctoral Researcher - Cereal Genetics & Crop Science
Plant & AgriBiosciences Research Centre (PABC)
School of Natural Sciences
Ref. No. NUIG 011-15
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position as a
Postdoctoral Researcher (Cereal Genetics & Crop Science) in the research group of Prof. Charles
Spillane in the Plant and AgriBiosciences Research Centre (PABC) at the National University of
Ireland, Galway. This 3 year position is funded by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the
Marine and is available from March 2015 to project end date of March 2018.
About the project:
The project is focussed on winter cereals (wheat, barley) and will combine molecular genetics with
field-level screening of cereal varieties, mutant lines and populations to identify improved lines. Key
traits of interest in the project include waterlogging tolerance, nitrogen use efficiency, grain
nutritional quality, including the relationships of these traits to improved yields. The long-term goal
of the project will be to develop novel and promising lines of winter cereals (barley, wheat) for
sustainable intensification of Irish agriculture that can display greater resilience to challenges
posed by climate change variability. The project is a component of a larger consortium program
and will involve collaboration and interaction with research groups in Teagasc, National University
of Ireland Maynooth, and Trinity College Dublin.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will combine advanced cereal molecular genetics research with largescale field-level screening of mutant populations and lines of winter cereals under Irish growing
conditions. The experiments will consist of both forward and reverse genetic strategies involving
phenotypic screening in large-scale field populations to identify mutant winter cereal lines with
desirable traits. Traits of focus in the project will include waterlogging tolerance, nitrogen use
efficiency and grain nutritional quality for livestock feed. Experimental approaches employed in the
project will include mutagenesis, RNAseq, biochemical assays, and candidate gene knockdowns
(by Crispr/cas9 and artificial miRNAs), combined with extensive field-level screening and testing of
mutant lines and large-populations of winter cereals in field plots.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have a strong and proven track record in crop genetics and crop
science/agronomy, with experience of successfully conducting plant molecular genetics
experiments and analyses with field grown cereal crops. Applicants must have a relevant PhD and
research track record that demonstrates strong capabilities and outputs in crop/plant molecular
genetics combined with crop science/agronomy. Applicants would need to be strongly motivated
to combine both field-based and molecular lab research. The position is suited to applicants
seeking to develop a future career pathway in field-based molecular breeding to meet the demands
of farmers and the market, and by applicants driven to contribute to sustainable intensification and
improved resilience of cereal crops to abiotic stresses arising from climate variability.
A full clean driving license is a requirement for this post for the purpose of conducting field-level
work and research at field trial sites. Strong statistical skills are required, while some experience of
cereal bioinformatics would be an advantage. Applicants with interest in developing and combining
advanced molecular and field-scale phenotyping approaches for cereal improvement will be at an
advantage. Successful candidates will have a proven (via publications and other research outputs)
research record for their stage of career and will be required to have excellent teamwork,
organisational, writing and report/paper drafting skills.
The Genetics and Biotechnology Lab is highly multi-disciplinary and the applicant should have an
ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team to develop high-impact scientific outputs and findings.
Salary: €37,750 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).
Start date: Position is available from March 2015.
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI
Galway
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Further information about the Genetics and Biotechnology Lab and the Plant & AgriBiosciences
Research Centre (PABC) is available at: www.plantagbiosciences.org / www.spillanelab.org
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made via email to Professor Charles Spillane
charles.spillane@nuigalway.ie
To Apply:
Applications to include a 1 page (max) covering letter with your current 5 year career plan, CV, and
contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to:
Professor Charles Spillane charles.spillane@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG 011-15 in subject line of e-mail application. Applications
lacking this reference number in the email subject line will not be considered.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm 23rd February 2015
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.