Postdoctoral Researcher in Chemometrics Technologies
‘Advanced Analytics for Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing (AA-BTM)’
Nanoscale Biophotonics Laboratory (NBL)
School of Chemistry
National University of Ireland, Galway
Ref. No. NUIG 77-15
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed term position as a
Chemometrics 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 for a four year fixed term contract period, 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 on the development of chemometric and software tools to enable the analysis of 3-,
4- and 5-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy data collected from complex biogenic materials.
A second aspect of the post will involve the chemometric analysis of data generated by other NBL
researchers and the training of junior researchers in chemometric methods of analysis.
Another aspect of the post will involve undertaking a range of laboratory experiments on various
protein containing materials relevant to biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The candidate will then
develop a range of novel bioanalytical assays for the quantitative analysis of proteins in these
complex biogenic liquids. The long-term goal is to have these bioanalysis technologies be
incorporated into the next generation of analytical tools for biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Duties: The main duties of the post are to develop new chemometric approaches and tools for the
analysis of 4- and 5D multi-dimensional fluorescence spectra, carry out novel research, and to
contribute to management of the NBL research team. In particular, the successful candidates will
be responsible for organising and managing project research activities to yield high quality
research publications and invention disclosures. Specific duties include the following:
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Determine the efficacy of existing PARAFAC/MCR based methods for the accurate
deconvolution of 4- and 5-way spectroscopic data.
Develop new chemometric methods for analysing the 4/5 way data informed by
photophysical principals.
Undertake protein biophysics and other experiments to validate analytical methods and
instrumentation being developed under AA-BTM research project.
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 chemometrics and
other relevant analysis methods.
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,
Assist in the management of the chemometric software, training documentation, and
computational resources in 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:
The ideal candidate must have a track record in a chemometrics or analytical sciences research
and development environment. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, or an
equivalent discipline. A proven publication record is also a requirement with multiple first author,
chemometric centric publications. Candidates with experience working with or in industry
(analytical sciences) are particularly welcome.
Candidates must have a strong background in multi-way chemometrics, and proven experimental
expertise in at least two of the following: (i) Chemometric analysis of complex samples (including
sample prep. /data collection), (ii) Protein biophysics or industrial bioanalysis wet-lab experience,
(iii) Software programming, or (iv) Programming chemometric methods in MATLAB.
Specialized experience in industrial analytical method development and validation would be
desirable.
Candidates should have excellent communication (in English) and organisational skills; be highly
motivated and passionate about developing new, robust, analytical methods; and have strong
documentation, oral and interpersonal skills.
Salary: €37,750 - €40,003 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will
apply).
Start date: Position is available from 1st 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
www.nuigalway.ie/nanoscale
the
Nanoscale
Biophotonics
Laboratory
is
available
at
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr. Alan Ryder at alan.ryder@nuigalway.ie
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 77-15 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm on Friday 24th July 2015.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.