Postdoctoral Researcher in Photonics technologies
‘Advanced Analytics for Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing (AA-BTM)’
Nanoscale Biophotonics Laboratory
School of Chemistry
National University of Ireland, Galway
Ref. No. NUIG 78-15
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed term position as a
photonics technology postdoctoral research scientist with the Nanoscale Biophotonics Laboratory
(NBL) at the National University of Ireland, Galway.
This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland under the Advanced Analytics for
Biopharmaceutical Therapeutic Manufacture (AA-BTM) project, a 5-year investigator award to Dr.
Alan G. Ryder. The position is available from the 1st of September 2015 on a four year fixed term
contract, subject to probationary period and annual performance review.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will be based in the NBL (www.nuigalway.ie/nanoscale/) located in the
School of Chemistry at NUIG. Ireland and work with researchers from both University and Industry
collaborators to design, build, and validate an experimental multi-dimensional fluorescence
spectrometer using a UV supercontinuum source. The research will also involve making
appropriate control software and prototype hardware (electronics & optics) to enable the system be
used for routine analytical work. The final aspect of the post will involve undertaking a range of
biophysical measurements using the system on sample systems relevant to biopharmaceutical
manufacturing. The system will be used to develop a range of novel bioanalytical assays for the
quantitative analysis of proteins in complex biogenic liquids. The long-term goal is to have these
bioanalysis technologies to be incorporated in the next generation of analytical tools for
biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Duties: The main duties of the post are to build a novel, prototype multi-dimensional fluorescence
spectrometer, carry out novel research and to contribute to management of the NBL research
team. In particular, the successful candidates will be responsible for organizing and managing
project research activities to yield high quality research publications and invention disclosures.
Specific duties include the following:
 Design, Build, and Validate a Supercontinuum laser based multidimensional fluorescence
spectrometer in conjunction with the PI and members of the NBL research team.
 Undertake protein biophysics and other experiments to validate analytical methods and
instrumentation being developed under AA-BTM.
 Supervise relevant undergraduate and visiting student research projects from time to time
as required.
 Assist in the mentoring/training of NBL PhD and visiting students in optical instrumentation
and other relevant photonics technologies.
 Deliver presentations and undertake outreach activities relevant to AA-BTM as required by
the PI for the successful delivery of the project.
 Assist in the preparation of manuscripts for publication,
 Be responsible for managing the fluorescence microscopy/advanced instrumentation
laboratory of the NBL.
 Prepare project reports as required by the funder SFI.
 Undertake any other activities relevant to the AA-BTM project as directed by the PI.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Optical Engineering, Physics or an equivalent
discipline. The ideal candidate must have a track record in a research and development
environment with a proven, first-author, publication record. Candidates with experience working
with or in industry (photonics or analytical science domains) are particularly welcome.
Candidates must have a strong background in photonics and fluorescence instrumentation, and
proven experimental expertise in one or more of the following: (i) Integration of supercontinuum
laser sources with fluorescence instrumentation, (ii) Protein biophysics using fluorescence based
techniques, (iii) Single-molecule detection methods involving fluctuation spectroscopies, or (iv)
Optical hardware design.
Specialized experience in polarization optics, MATLAB, NI instruments programming, or industrial
bioanalysis, would be desirable.
Candidates must have excellent communication (in English) and organisational skills; be highly
motivated and passionate about developing new instrumentation and analytical methods; and have
strong documentation, oral and interpersonal skills.
Salary: €37,750 - €42,394 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will
apply).
Start date: Position is available from 1 September 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
Further information about the Nanoscale Biophotonics Laboratory
www.nuigalway.ie/nanoscale
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr. (Alan Ryder)
is
available
at
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 email: alan.ryder@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG 78-15 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm, Friday 24th July 2015
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.