Postdoctoral Researcher - Analytical Chemistry
Nanoscale Biophotonics Laboratory
School of Chemistry
Ref. No: NUIG 118-12
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a fulltime, fixed term position as a
Postdoctoral Researcher in Spectroscopy-Chemometrics with the Nanoscale Biophotonics
Laboratory in the School of Chemistry at the National University of Ireland, Galway.
This position is funded by Enterprise Ireland and is available from 6th January 2013 to contract end
date of 31st October 2013.
Project Title: Active pharmaceutical ingredient API real time release PAT: Accurate Raman
Analysis Methods for Real-Time-Release (ARAM-RTR).
Job Description:
The successful candidate will plan and undertake a range of experimental projects using Raman
spectroscopy methods to acquire compositional data from a variety of test samples which is then
analyzed with sophisticated multivariate (chemometrics) methods. Some of the job activities are:
 Develop an optimal chemometric methodology for the pre-processing of Raman spectra to
minimise baseline artefacts and enhance the observation of weak Raman spectral features.
 Prepare powder and tablet sample sets containing chemical and polymorph contaminants.
 Collect extensive Raman spectral data sets from the various samples.
 Produce a clear assessment as to which Raman methods are optimal for the quantitative
analysis of low concentration contaminants.
 Develop new and advanced chemometric methods for the quantification of low level
chemical and polymorph contamination of solid APIs.
 Help produce a follow-on research plan to exploit the research undertaken.
 Interact with Enterprise Ireland and Industrial collaborators as required.
 Prepare internal and external reports detailing the project.
 Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals as required.
 Undertake any other relevant tasks as directed by the project PI, Dr. Ryder.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have (or have just submitted) a Ph.D. in Chemistry with extensive demonstrated,
chemometrics expertise, MATLAB experience, and at least one published first author, peerreviewed relevant article. The ideal candidate must also have experience in chemical analysis
related to either the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical sectors, Raman spectroscopy, and
advanced chemometric methods such as PCA, PARAFAC, PARAFAC2, and other relevant
methods. Candidates should have excellent communication and organizational skills; have
experience in other spectroscopic techniques, be highly motivated and passionate about
developing new analytical methods; and have strong documentation, oral and interpersonal skills.
Salary: €38,286 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply)
Start date: Position is available from January 2013.
Further information about the Nanoscale Biophotonics; Laboratory is available at:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/nanoscale/
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr. Alan G. Ryder, School of Chemistry,
NUI Galway.
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. Alan Ryder, School of Chemistry:
alan.ryder@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG 118-12 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm on Tuesday 11th December 2012
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.