Postdoctoral Researcher(s) – RiD-RTI
Molecular Diagnostics Research Group, Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences
Ref. No. NUIG 50-12
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for two full-time fixed term position as
Postdoctoral Researchers with Dr. Thomas Barry at the Molecular Diagnostics Research Group
(MDRG), Microbiology at the National University of Ireland, Galway.
This position is funded by European Framework 7 and is available from July 1st 2012 to contract
end date of June 31st 2015
The MDRG at NUI Galway has over 20 years’ experience in the development of novel nucleic acid
diagnostics assays for detection and identification of bacteria and fungi. This has included codevelopment of diagnostics assays with commercial partners including some of the largest IVD
companies on a global scale. MDRG core research activities include: Molecular diagnostic target
discovery: Nucleic acid based test design: and Integration of MDRG technologies onto diagnostics
platforms.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will be part of an FP7 funded project in a team consisting of two SME’s,
two universities and one hospital group who aim to develop a novel platform for the rapid
identification of respiratory tract infections (RiD-RTI). The principal objective of this study are to
develop and the validate a multiplex diagnostic system, based on a novel “sample-in, answer-out”
diagnostic platform, for the rapid detection (< 2 hrs) of the specific microbial aetiology of RTIs in
adults and children acquired in the community and in hospitals. The combination of rapid,
sensitive, simple to use, sample-in answer-out diagnostics technology with high-level multiplex
capability for identifying the specific causative microorganism(s) and drug resistance profile of RTIs
is the key advantage of the RiD-RTI technology compared to competing diagnostics technologies.
Qualifications/ Essential Criteria
 Hold (or close to obtaining) a PhD in Microbiology or a relevant discipline
 Have a minimum of 3 peer reviewed publications, as a lead author, in the area of
development and optimisation of diagnostics assays for infectious disease or alternatively
have a minimum of 4 years experience with industry in the field of molecular diagnostics
 Must have experience in molecular biology techniques
 Must have experience in the design and development of multiplex real-time PCR,
optimisation and validation of diagnostics assays
 Experience in the development and/or optimisation of sample preparation/nucleic acid
extraction methods
 Experience of culturing Class II human clinical pathogens (bacteria and/or fungi)
 Demonstrate the ability to identify novel diagnostics targets
 Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication and organisational skills
 Must be highly motivated and passionate about developing new products
 Strong collaborative skills are required to work as part of a highly interdisciplinary team
 Experience in training and laboratory-based supervision of students and/or other
researchers in molecular diagnostics assay development
 Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
Desirable Criteria
 High level of IT skills: experience in use of relevant bioinformatics software and a
proficiency in the full Microsoft Office package and use of the Internet
 Good initiative, flexibility and good organisational skills
 Technical troubleshooting skills
 Report writing and presentation skills
 A knowledge of microorganisms associated with RTI’s
Salary: €38,286 - 51,008 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will
apply)
Start date: Positions are available from July 2012
Further information about the MDRG is available at:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/microbiology/dr__thomas_barry.html and
http://ncbes.eurhost.net/molecular-diagnostics.aspx
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr. Thomas Barry
To Apply:
Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be
sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Dr. Thomas Barry: Thomas.barry@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG 50-12 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Friday 1st June 2012.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunity employer.