Postdoctoral Researcher: Electrochemical Protein Assays for Cancer Diagnostics
Biomolecular Electronics Research Laboratory
SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY
Ref. No. NUIG 74-14
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position
as a Postdoctoral Researcher: Electrochemical Protein Assays for Cancer Diagnostics with
Biomolecular Electronics Research Laboratory, SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY at the National
University of Ireland, Galway.
This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and is available from 1st September
2014 to 31st August 2015.
The project will be within the framework of the US-Ireland funded.
Job Description:
The long-term goal of the project is to provide multiple biomarker-based diagnostics to
enable accurate staging of prostate cancer patients and guidance for appropriate choices of
therapy. The detection of a small panel of cancer biomarker proteins in patient serum will be
used to detect and establish the stage and grade of prostate cancers. The objectives of the
project are to develop an optimized, validated biomarker panel and appropriate
measurement devices to help establish the grade and stage of prostate cancer as well as to
identify patients free of prostate cancer. Development of assays and validation of the
biomarker panel will be done, by the UConn and NUIG teams, by optimizing a rapid,
ultrasensitive, yet inexpensive, microfluidic immunoassay system that has already been
developed at UConn. Assay simplicity and sensitivity will be improved by introducing redox
polymers on electrodes by the NUIG team. The candidate will therefore work on synthesis,
characterization and surface confinement of redox complexes and proteins at solid electrode
surfaces for improvement to the existing assay protocol in the Biomolecular Electronics
Research Laboratory, affiliated to the School of Chemistry and the Ryan Institute for Energy,
Environment and Marine research. The successful candidate will mentor researchers (PhD
and undergraduate) in the School of Chemistry. He/she will participate in a number of
workshops organized by the project partners, help plan and deliver on the research
programme, and contribute to communication of the research results.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have a track record in a research and development environment
and strong synthetic chemistry and electrochemical experience is essential. Applicants must
have a Ph.D. in the chemical sciences. The ideal candidate would have experience in
synthesis and characterization of redox mediators and on their application to point-of-care
electrochemical assays of cancer biomarker proteins. Candidates should have excellent
communication and organisational skills; be highly motivated and passionate about
developing new products; and have strong documentation, oral and interpersonal skills.
Salary: €38,860 per annum
apply)
(public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will
Start date: Position is available from 1st September 2014.
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 Biomolecular Electronics Research Laboratory is available at
http://www.nuigalway.ie/chemistry/staff/donal_leech/index.html
(Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Professor Dónal Leech,
donal.leech@nuigalway.ie )
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 Professor Dónal Leech,
donal.leech@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG 74-14 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm 31st July 2014.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.