Postdoctoral Fellow
School of Chemistry & Ryan Institute
Ref. No: NUIG-121-12
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position as a
Postdoctoral fellow with the Biomolecular Electronics Research Laboratory at the National
University of Ireland, Galway.
This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and is available from 1/1/2013 to
31/12/2013.
Research Topic:
The standard, 5 day, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) test provides an estimate of water
pollution by measuring the amount of oxygen used by bacteria to degrade organic matter. Wastewater treatment plants currently monitor load by measuring chemical oxygen demand even though
BOD is the most relevant parameter, because there is no simple, widely adopted, methodology
available for rapid BOD measurement. This project seeks to develop an improved in-situ
biochemical oxygen demand sensing technology that may be adopted by waste-treatment plants
for monitoring the load supplied to the plants in real-time.
The candidate will work with an interdisciplinary team on the development of biological oxygen
demand sensing systems based on measuring the current output from microbial biofilms, induced
to grow on carbon electrode materials, and correlating this to BOD5 levels.
Job Description:
The standard, 5 day, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) test provides an estimate of water
pollution by measuring the amount of oxygen used by bacteria to degrade organic matter. Wastewater treatment plants currently monitor load by measuring chemical oxygen demand even though
BOD is the most relevant parameter, because there is no simple, widely adopted, methodology
available for rapid BOD measurement. This project seeks to develop an improved in-situ
biochemical oxygen demand sensing technology that may be adopted by waste-treatment plants
for monitoring the load supplied to the plants in real-time.
The candidate will work with an interdisciplinary team on the development of biological oxygen
demand sensing systems based on current output from microbial biofilms induced to grow on
carbon electrode materials.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have a track record in a research and development environment and
strong microbiology or environmental engineering experience is essential. Applicants must have a
Ph.D. or be in the process of finalizing a PhD. The ideal candidate would have experience in
anaerobic digestion, waste treatment, electrochemistry or environmental engineering as evidenced
by a publication record. 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: €49,358 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 Laboratory is available at:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/chemistry/staff/donal_leech/research.html
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made
(Donal.leech@nuigalway.ie)
to
Dr.
Dónal
Leech
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. Dónal Leech, Donal.leech@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG-121-12 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Friday 21st December 2012 or until
post is filled
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.