Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioactive Compounds in Marine Invertebrates
School of Chemistry
Ref. No. NUIG 95-14
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed-term Postdoctoral
Researcher contract position to work within the School of Chemistry at the National University of
Ireland Galway. This project is supported by funds provided under the Beaufort Marine
Biodiscovery initiative. This position requires an experienced scientist with demonstrated expertise
in the chemical analysis of bioactive natural products, ascidian taxonomy and cold water diving.
The position is available from 1st January 2015 to project end date of 31st December 2015.
Job description:
The position will involve the collection, extraction and analysis of compounds from marine
invertebrates and algae, with particular emphasis on ascidians (P.I. Bill J. Baker, Chemistry, NUI
Galway). Candidates should have extensive experience in bioactivity-guided isolation and
spectroscopic analysis leading to structure assignment of complex natural products. Candidates
should be effective communicators across different scientific disciplines.
Main duties and responsibilities:
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be based in the School of Chemistry at NUI Galway and will:
 Undertake and be responsible for the collection, either by scuba diving or ship-based
collection methods, of marine organisms, focusing especially on tunicates, including
taxonomic analysis
 Undertake extraction and analysis (e.g. HPLC, GC-MS) of bioactive compounds (e.g.
alkaloids, terpenes, polyketides, peptides) from marine organisms
 Liaise with and distribute samples and extracts to project partners
 Promote the work of the project and the wider Beaufort initiative, through conference and
workshop presentations, and in peer-reviewed publications
 Assist the project management team and interact with project partners
 Ensure that the project is carried out with reference to the appropriate health and safety
guidelines and any other relevant NUI Galway policies (e.g., purchasing and procurement)
 Maintain confidentiality of Intellectual Property (IP) associated with the project
 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
 Assist with supervision and training of students on related projects as appropriate
Qualifications:
• PhD or equivalent experience (min 4 yrs.) in marine natural products chemistry, in particular
focused on the chemistry of ascidians
• Experience in extraction of bioactive compounds, spectroscopic analysis including NMR,
mass spectrometry, and chiroptical techniques, and analytical techniques such as HPLC
and GC-MS
• Experienced in bioassay-guided isolation techniques
• Background in ascidian taxonomy
• Experience in both independent and collaborative research; excellent verbal and written
communication skills (English language)
• Full clean driving licence
Desirable skills and experience:
• Experience with culture of marine microorganisms derived from ascidians
• Evidence of scientific publication and dissemination of results at conferences
•
•
Additional technical, analytical, biochemical and pharmacological skills in areas that can be
applied towards analysis of marine compounds
Appreciation of IP procedures relevant to university research
Salary: €37,750 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply)
Start date: 1st January 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
For informal enquiries regarding this position please contact Prof Bill Baker, School of Chemistry,
NUI Galway via e-mail at bill.baker@nuigalway.ie
To Apply:
Applications should be sent as a single file (in Word or PDF only) to bill.baker@nuigalway.ie and
include; a covering letter stating the reason and suitability for applying for this specific position, a
full curriculum vitae, and the names and contact details of at least three but not more than five
referees who can be contacted for confidential references.
Please put reference number NUIG-95-14 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Monday 10th November 2014.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.