Postdoctoral Researcher - Zoology
School of Natural Sciences/Ryan Institute
Ref. No. NUIG-82-13
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed term position as a postdoctoral
researcher in marine biomaterials with School of Natural Sciences/Ryan Institute at the National University of
Ireland, Galway.
This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and the Marine Institute and is available from
November 2013 to contract end date of December 2014, with a possibility of extension.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will work on the proteins that enable barnacles to stick underwater. The project
involves isolating candidate adhesive genes in stalked barnacle Lepas anatifera using a transcriptome
experiment to narrow-down candidate adhesive genes and also using adhesive peptides previously isolated
from Mass Spectroscopy. Candidate adhesion genes identified using these steps will be subjected to
confirmation studies. Basic bioinformatic analyses will be carried out to examine homology of adhesive
domains across species and work out which molecular tricks are conserved to enable adhesion. The ultimate
aim is to use adhesive genes to clone quantities of protein for application and testing on surfaces (e.g.
titanium, gold or bone). Future grant submissions will be strengthened by the transcriptome and it is hoped to
develop further funding applications in collaboration with the candidate.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have a track record in a research and development environment and strong
biotechnology experience is essential. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in molecular biology. The ideal
candidate would have experience in research involving genome or transcriptome databases. Laboratory
skills including working with RNA, cDNA library creation and qPCR are essential. Experience of cloning in
yeast and E. coli and with in situ probe development and marine animal culture are desirable. Candidates
should have excellent communication and organizational skills; be highly motivated and passionate about
developing new products; and have strong documentation, oral and interpersonal skills.
Salary range: €37,750 - €41,918 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply)
Start date: Position is available from November 2013
Further information about School of Natural Sciences and Ryan
http://www.ryaninstitute.ie/research/biodiversity-and-bioresources/
http://www.nuigalway.ie/natural_sciences/research.html
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr Anne Marie Power
Institute
is
available
at
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway
To Apply:
Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via email (in word or PDF only) to Dr Anne Marie Power Annemarie.power@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG-82-13 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Thursday 31st October 2013.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.