Part-time Postdoctoral Researcher – Plant Metabolism and Molecular Biology
Plant & AgriBiosciences Research Centre (PABC)
School of Natural Sciences
Ref. No. NUIG 001-15
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a part-time fixed term position (57%)
as a Postdoctoral Researcher (Plant Molecular Biology & Metabolism) in the Plant Systems
Biology research group of Dr. Ronan Sulpice at the National University of Ireland, Galway. This 4.5
year position is funded by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and is available
from April 2015 to project end date of November 2019.
About the project:
The project is focussed on ryegrass and will combine molecular genetics with metabolic and
proteomic screening of ryegrass varieties grown under abiotic stress conditions to identify
improved lines. Key traits of interest in the project include nitrogen use efficiency and cold
tolerance, and the understanding of their interactions for the development and identification of
improved varieties. The long-term goal of the project will be to develop novel and promising lines
for sustainable intensification of Irish agriculture that can display greater resilience to challenges
posed by climate change variability. The project is a component of a larger consortium program
and will involve collaboration and interaction with research groups in Teagasc, University College
Dublin, National University of Ireland Maynooth, and Trinity College Dublin.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will combine advanced knowledge of molecular genetics research with
large-scale metabolic screening of ryegrass populations under Irish growing conditions. The
experiments will consist of mostly forward genetic strategies involving phenotypic characterization
of large populations grown field and laboratory controlled conditions to identify lines with desirable
traits, but also identify the underlying mechanisms. Traits of focus in the project will include
identification of high yielding ryegrass varieties displaying nitrogen use efficiency and cold
tolerance. Experimental approaches employed in the project will include RNAseq, biochemical
assays, absolute quantification of ribosomal proteins, and potentially candidate gene knockdowns
combined with extensive field- and lab-level screening.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have a strong and proven track record in molecular biochemistry.
Applicants must have a relevant PhD and a good research track record that demonstrates strong
capabilities and outputs. Applicants would need to be strongly motivated to combine both
molecular and metabolic screens. The position is suited to applicants seeking to develop a future
career pathway in field-based molecular breeding to meet the demands of farmers and the market.
Hence, previous experience in a laboratory from the private sector is a plus. Successful candidates
will have a proven (via publications, patents and other research outputs) research record for their
stage of career and will be required to have excellent teamwork (including supervision and lab
management experience), organisational, writing and report/paper drafting skills.
Salary: €37,750 per annum, pro-rata for this part-time post
(Public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).
Start date: Position is available from April 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 Plant Systems Biology Lab and the Plant & AgriBiosciences
Research
Centre
(PABC)
is
available
at:
www.plantagbiosciences.org
/
http://www.nuigalway.ie/botany/sulpice_home.html
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made via email to Dr. Ronan Sulpice
ronan.sulpice@nuigalway.ie
To Apply:
Applications to include a 1 page (max) covering letter with your current 5 year career plan, CV, and
contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to:
Dr Ronan Sulpice ronan.sulpice@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG 001-15 in subject line of e-mail application. Applications
lacking this reference number in the email subject line will not be considered.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm 23rd February 2015
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.