Established Professor of Marine Biodiscovery REF: 007704 Page 1 of 16 TABLE OF CONTENTS Job Advertisement 3 Job Description 5 Eligibility Requirements 8 Supplementary Information 9 Competency Framework for Professorship Role at NUI Galway 13 Information on Application and Appointment Procedures 14 Page 2 of 16 Established Professor of Marine Biodiscovery College School Post Title & Subject Area Post Duration Level Reports to Science Chemistry Established Professor of Marine Biodiscovery Permanent Established Professor Head of School JOB ADVERTISEMENT The National University of Ireland Galway invites applications for the post of Established Professor of Marine Biodiscovery. NUI Galway seeks to make a senior professorial appointment in the area of Marine Biodiscovery, based within the School of Chemistry. This is a permanent full-time appointment that will provide academic leadership within the Marine Institute-funded Beaufort Marine Research Project in Marine Biodiscovery This post is linked to the Beaufort Marine Research Awards scheme, an initiative of the Irish Government, which is co-ordinated by the Marine Institute (http://www.marine.ie). The Beaufort Marine Biodiscovery award supports researchers based at NUI Galway, Queen's University, Belfast, and University College Cork. The post-holder will provide strategic scientific leadership at national and international levels in the area of Marine Natural Products Chemistry. In this national role the post-holder will develop research partnerships with third-level institutions and industry, in areas relevant to Ireland’s emerging marine economy. Candidates for this position should have: Experience in isolation and the structural determination of marine natural products, or a closely related field; A proven capacity for accessing national and international research funding; The demonstrated potential to provide scientific leadership to major multipartner collaborative research programmes; Outstanding, proven research leadership capabilities: An excellent research and publication profile; and A record of working with industry, undergraduate teaching and of mentoring PhD students. The successful candidate will be based in the School of Chemistry and will work closely with the Ryan Institute for Environment, Marine and Energy (http://www.ryaninstitute.ie/),the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science (http://ncbes.nuigalway.ie), and the Whitaker Institute for Innovation and Societal Change (http://cisc.nuigalway.ie) at National University of Ireland Galway, other academic and industry partners, and the Marine Institute (http://www.marine.ie). The candidate will be expected to instruct undergraduates and post-graduates, supervise or co-supervise PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including senior researchers, and assist in shaping the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of the Schools of Chemistry and Natural Sciences, particularly in relation to Chemistry, Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Marine Science and Biotechnology, at NUI Galway. Page 3 of 16 For informal discussion please contact: Prof. Paul V. Murphy, Head of School of Chemistry, National University of Ireland Galway. Tel: +353 91 492465; email: paul.v.murphy@nuigalway.ie Additional information on the School is available at www.nuigalway.ie/chemistry Information on the University's Strategic Plan is available at: http://www.nuigalway.ie/president/reports.html Salary: €106,515 to €136,275 p.a. (This appointment will be made on the Established Professor scale in line with current Government pay policy) (For pre 1995 public sector entrants in Ireland, the D class Salary rates will apply) Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (GMT) on Thursday, 27th November 2014. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date. Garda vetting may apply. For more information and Application Form please see website: http://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/jobs/ Applications should be submitted online. Please note that appointment to posts advertised will be dependent upon University approval, together with the terms of the Employment Control Framework for the higher education sector. National University of Ireland Galway is an equal opportunities employer. Page 4 of 16 JOB DESCRIPTION The National University of Ireland Galway is a student-centred, research-intensive University of international standing, with a staff committed to excellence. The University has developed unique strengths in delivering a stimulating learning environment and provides leadership in key scientific, economic, social, and cultural areas. National University of Ireland Galway has recently had funding from the Irish Marine Institute through the Beaufort Research Awards. The Marine Institute is the national agency responsible for Marine Research, Technology Development and Innovation (RTDI) in Ireland. A major focus of the Marine Institute is developing research initiatives and programmes that help to realise the economic potential of Ireland's 90 million hectare marine resource. The Marine Institute promotes the sustainable development of Ireland’s marine sector by the provision of dedicated research funds to research institutions and industry; by providing funding essential scientific services; and other activities that safeguard Ireland’s marine environment. To further enhance the University’s mission, applications are now invited for the post of Professor of Marine Biodiscovery within the School of Chemistry at NUI Galway. This post will work closely in collaboration with academic staff at NUI Galway who are currently involved in Marine Science related research and in doing so will build stronger links between natural products chemistry and marine science expertise in the University as well as outside the University. The School of Chemistry is established within the College of Science, and has a long-established international reputation for both teaching and research. The School currently numbers 14 academic staff, who contribute to its teaching and research activities. The School graduates approximately 35 honours B.Sc. students from its four-year undergraduate B.Sc. in Chemistry course and ~12 Ph.D.s each year. The School is also involved in service teaching. Thus the total numbers of first-, secondand third-year undergraduate students are approximately 920, 150 and 60 respectively. A B.Sc. degree in Biopharmaceutical Chemistry was introduced in 2008 with a current intake of ~20 students per year. Current academic members of staff in the School of Chemistry are actively engaged in scholarship and research. Current research areas of interest in the School include Environmental Chemistry & Energy, and Biomedical Chemistry / Chemical Biology. The School has made a number of appointments recently in Organic Synthesis, Bioorganic Chemistry, Protein Chemistry and NMR, Bioinorganic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Theoretical and Biophysical Chemistry. Members of the School and Discipline have strong interactions with the University’s Research Institutes, including the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science and the Ryan Institute for Environment, Marine and Energy and also with other Schools across the University. Further details can be obtained in the supporting documentation and web sites listed therein. Members of the School have strong interactions with Industry in some areas. Additional information on the http://www.nuigalway.ie/chemistry School of Chemistry is available at: Applicants for the Professorship should have relevant expertise in Natural Products Chemistry and experience of substantial elements of the chain of activities involved in Marine Biodiscovery. Ideally the successful candidate will be committed to work on the isolation and structural determination of compounds with applications in medicine, materials and food, derived from marine sources. Additional experience and interest in synthesis, semi-synthesis or biosynthesis of natural products from marine sources would also be desirable. It will also be an advantage if a candidate’s Page 5 of 16 interests are a good fit to the strategic goals of the University and further strengthen interactions with some of the University’s Research Institutes. The successful candidate shall possess: The capacity to provide dynamic academic leadership in the development of a natural products research programme in support of a national effort in Marine Biotechnology and generally in the promotion of teaching and research in related areas; A proven capability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and interinstitutional environment; An internationally-recognised track record for high-quality research in a relevant area as evidenced by an exceptional publication record in topranking, peer-reviewed international journals, a proven ability to develop innovative research together with demonstrated success in competing for funding at national and international levels; A strong commitment to excellence in teaching and learning at all levels within the University as evidenced by significant experience of course delivery and design and a willingness to develop new courses at NUI Galway; The capacity to represent NUI Galway effectively both nationally and internationally in securing funding for major research programmes related to marine science research; To build new collaborations within and outside the University with research institutions and industry in areas related to marine biotechnology, in particular contributing to integrating the current Beaufort Marine Biodiscovery Programme and other NUI Galway based marine biotechnology projects within a broader National Programme of Marine Biotechnology and making the case for new funding. Excellent interpersonal, communication and other relevant skills appropriate to the role; and A willingness to participate in the overall academic life of the University. Purpose of Post The post holder will provide leadership in the development of Natural Products Chemistry (Isolation, structural determination and exploitation) within the School of Chemistry and generally in the promotion of teaching and research, and will promote the National Programme of Marine Biotechnology research in collaboration with the University’s Ryan Institute, the national Marine Institute, and collaborating research groups. Principal Duties and Responsibilities The post-holder duties will include, but not be limited to, the following: Scientific leadership to the National Marine Biotechnology Programme The post-holder will provide scientific leadership to enable the development of the National Programme in Marine Biotechnology working collaboratively with the Marine Institute, and other relevant marine related projects in Ireland. The post-holder will develop strong relationships with elements of Irish industry that are positioned to commercialise research outputs from marine biotechnology related research. Page 6 of 16 Teaching To give instruction and supervision, as directed by the Head of School, to students of the University in courses and programmes organised the School or to which the School contributes to another School or College. Such duties to include curriculum and course design, preparation and delivery of lectures, tutorials, project supervision and general examination and other assessment responsibilities. The post-holder is also required to be available to students for academic counselling and advice. In some disciplines, academic activities may also include laboratory, workshop or clinical instruction, supervision of fieldwork, site visits and other off-campus activities. The post-holder will show a commitment to teaching at all levels within the University and will personally engage in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching activities as directed by the Head of the School of Chemistry. Research To engage in research and other creative and innovative activity as appropriate to the discipline. The post-holder is required to disseminate their research in academic publications, other outlets as appropriate and to participate in postgraduate supervision. The post-holder is encouraged to engage in initiatives to seek research funding, as appropriate. The post-holder is also encouraged to promote and engage in the development of collaborative research. The post-holder will engage in research and publish in an area of Marine Natural Products Chemistry that is a reasonable fit with the strategic goals of the University and that will strengthen interactions with Marine Researchers at the Ryan Institute and other University Research Institutes nationally and internationally. The post-holder will make applications to funding agencies, including national and international funding bodies, to support his/her research programme, including the potential support of students and/or postdoctoral fellows. The post-holder will be proactive in inviting Ph.D. and M.Sc. students to participate in research projects and in providing active supervision for them. The post-holder will be involved in supervision of post-doctoral researchers. Contribution and Scholarly Activity To participate in academic administration at School, College and University levels as part of their contribution to the University. To engage with the wider community regionally, nationally and internationally from a civic, economic, social and cultural perspective as a contribution to the life of the University. In representing the University externally, the postholder is expected to maintain the highest professional standards, thereby enhancing the reputation of the University. The post-holder is expected to engage in scholarly activity such as, but not limited to, refereeing of journals, membership of discipline related advisory bodies and peer review panels and work associated with external examinership. The post-holder will provide dynamic academic and administrative leadership in the development of the School of Chemistry in association with the Head of the School, and generally in the promotion of teaching and research. The post-holder will, as required by the Head, represent effectively the discipline, and the School, within and outside of the University. The post-holder will have the capacity and willingness to act as Head of School. The post holder may be asked to assume other positions of responsibility within the School, for an agreed term upon or during the period of appointment. Page 7 of 16 The post-holder will have a willingness to participate in the overall life of the University. The post-holder shall carry out these duties under the direction of the Head of the School or of an authorised senior member of the staff of the School. The post-holder shall be a member of College/Colleges in accordance with University Statutes. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Essential Requirements: Normally, a PhD or equivalent in relevant area Formal lecturing experience including course development Supervision of PhD students Specified areas of expertise Exceptional publication record in top-ranked peer-reviewed international journals Evidence of obtaining significant funding from national and international sources as a Principal Investigator Lead a research group with postgraduate students Capacity to provide dynamic academic and administrative leadership Excellent interpersonal and communication skills appropriate to a potential leadership role A willingness to participate in the overall academic life of the University A willingness to contribute to develop a Marine Biotechnology Programme for Ireland Desirable: D.Sc. or equivalent Research area a reasonable fit to the strategic goals of the University Experience of collaboration with industry and in the commercialisation of research outputs Page 8 of 16 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The National Marine Biotechnology Programme and position of the of Beaufort Marine Biodiscovery Project The National Biotechnology Programme was scoped and developed by the Marine Institute over a number of years with significant input and involvement of the National University of Ireland Galway, by senior figures from other universities, by industry and by international experts. The Programme is ambitious in its scope and objectives and represents a far-reaching and research-intensive extension of Ireland’s utilisation of its marine bioresources. In short, this is a new and strategically significant development for Ireland. The Beaufort Biodiscovery Project is a foundation project, along with other projects such as NutraMara in the evolving National Marine Biotechnology Programme. The Beaufort Biodiscovery Project is a co-ordinated set of research collaborations involving a wide range of disciplines and partners. Page 9 of 16 School of Chemistry, NUI Galway www.nuigalway.ie/chemistry Links to specific research projects can be found on the School research web page at http://www.nuigalway.ie/chemistry/research_chem.html School of Chemistry Research Strategy Summary: The School of Chemistry has strengths in synthesis, natural product synthesis, structure determination, theoretical and computational chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, natural products chemistry and marine biodiscovery, medicinal chemistry and materials chemistry. In recent years the Schools output in terms of peer reviewed publications has grown significantly. The School has graduated ~350 PhD students since 1970. More than 60% of these graduates are employed in Irish Industry with the remainder working in the public sector or in education. A number have successful careers outside Ireland. Research activity within the School of Chemistry involves over 70 postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the following research areas: Analytical Chemistry: There are research themes concerned with the implementation of spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and chemometrics based methods for the development of new analytical methods. Application areas include biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical production processes, environmental sensing, petroleum characterization, and materials for medical devices. The School has top quality MS, NMR (400, 500 and 600 MHz) & X-ray facilities. There is also access to various microscopy techniques. These analytical facilities are used throughout the School. Synthesis & Mechanism: More than half the School’s research students are engaged in synthesis as part of their research. This includes natural products synthesis, heterocycles, asymmetric synthesis, photochemistry, inorganic materials, carbohydrate synthesis, biomolecular synthesis, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical synthesis. Chemistry Advancing Biology & Medicine: This involves development of biomaterials with potential application in drug delivery. There is also interest in magnetic materials, and new bioactive compounds. The latter have potential as therapeutics for areas such as cancer and infection. There is expertise in carbohydrates, glycoconjugates, proteins, heterocyclic molecules and natural products their development as bioactive agents. Targets include DNA, lectins, and various protein targets, including protein-protein interactions. Design of bioactive compounds is carried out using computational techniques. Green Chemistry and Energy: Research is concerned with developing the fuels and green chemistry of the future. There are projects in combustion chemistry, biomolecular electronics, energy and environmentally friendly synthesis of small molecules and macromolecules. Combustion Chemistry Research: The Combustion Chemistry Centre, C3 is engaged in fundamental research on the combustion of fossil and biofuels. Page 10 of 16 Combustion is the ultimate interdisciplinary field: it requires knowledge of chemistry, physics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and mathematics. In addition, combustion science has a well defined purpose in society today, facilitating the study and analysis of problems associated with the generation of air pollutants. C3 is concerned with the application of combustion research to the design of energy-efficient engine and gas turbine combustion systems and the impact of their use on toxic and greenhouse gas emissions, thus helping address the problems of urban air pollution and climate change. Natural Products Chemistry and Marine Biodiscovery: This research covers drug discovery from natural sources, particularly from Irish marine organisms. It is expected that the person appointed will build strength in this area for the School of Chemistry, Ryan Institute and the University. Programmes available The School of Chemistry is responsible for two BSc programmes (Chemistry & Biopharmaceutical Chemistry). The School of Chemistry will introduce a Masters of Research in Chemistry (M Res Chem in 2015/6 and this programme will include a 6 month research project for each student. Structured PhD in Chemistry, full-time. This normally involves the student working under supervision of one of the academic staff of the School. Summary of research areas of interest to academic staff members F. Aldabbagh Organic and Polymer Synthesis & Mechanism, Cancer Research, Heterocyclic Chemistry, Radicals (incl. photochemistry), Polymerizations (incl. controlled/living), Supercritical Carbon Dioxide. P. Crowley Molecular Recognition, Protein-protein & Protein-Small Molecule Interactions, Structural Biology, In-Cell NMR Spectroscopy H. J. Curran Combustion Chemistry, Biofuels, Fuel Efficiency, Emissions Reduction, Global Warming A. Erxleben Metal-Based Drugs, DNA and peptide hydrolysis, Coordination Chemistry, Crystal Structures and Polymorphism of Pharmaceutical Solids. N. Geraghty Photochemistry, Green Chemistry D. Leech Electrochemistry, Bioelectrochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Sensors and Diagnostics, Industrial Electrochemistry, Energy, Marine and Environmental Electrochemical Technologies D. Montagner Page 11 of 16 Anti-cancer platinum agents. P. V. Murphy Organic synthesis, natural product synthesis. Anti-tumour and anti-infective compounds, carbohydrates & glycoconjugate synthesis. Bioactive molecule design & synthesis especially inhibiting carbohydrate-lectin interactions and protein protein interactions using glycomimetics and peptidomimetics. P. O’Leary Organic synthesis, Asymmetric Catalysis, Ligand Design, Immobilisation, Bioactive Product Synthesis Y. Rochev Biomaterials A.G. Ryder Analytical Chemistry, Biopharmaceutical/Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Environmental Monitoring, Medical Devices R. Woods Molecular Modeling, Computational Drug Design J. Würmel Computational chemistry. Researcher profiles with additional details Staff list: www.nuigalway.ie/chemistry/people_chem.html Page 12 of 16 Competency Framework for Professorship Role at NUI Galway Academic Excellence Excellence in Research Leadership Excellence Personal Effectiveness Organisational Excellence Thinking Strategically The Professor is a leader in his / her field and contributes to the direction and development of his / her discipline and body of knowledge through planning and leading research of outstanding quality. S/he leads others to make the most effective contribution to their discipline and encourages cross discipline research collaboration. The Professor is passionate and enthusiastic about the discipline/school and is committed to making his / her best personal contribution through employing excellent planning and organising, communication and decision making skills in order to achieve ambitious goals for their discipline/school and to meet the changing demands of the Professorship role. The Professor is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic approach to the development of the discipline/school. S/he is aware of the wider environment, has the ability to think strategically and to devise and implement changes in line with their strategy. Excellence in Teaching The Professor oversees the development of, and participates in, delivering teaching programmes which engage and inspire students at all levels and ensures a strong focus on quality teaching and on the continuous review and development of teaching skills and methodologies in the discipline. Leading and Managing Others The Professor is responsible for the delivery of the work programme by getting the best out of others. S/he ensures that good administrative procedures are in place, that work is organised fairly, that there is a highly engaged work environment, and that time is given generously to developing staff. Collegiate and Community Contribution The Professor values and works to instil a collegiate approach not only within his / her discipline / school and the University, but across the wider external community. S/he actively seeks to build effectively functioning teams and networks. S/he is approachable, collaborative, and values the contribution of others. Page 13 of 16 APPLICATION AND APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES 1. Application A. If you are a current NUI Galway employee please use the NUI Galway Employee Self Service (ESS) portal to apply for this post. Note that access to the ESS portal is currently only available on campus. The following is a link to the ESS portal: http://ess.nuigalway.ie The following is a link to a User Guide for ESS: www.nuigalway.ie/hr/documents/internal/nuig_user_guide_academic_internal. pdf Please ensure that you read the attached guide prior to applying for this post and allow sufficient time to make your online submission in advance of closing date. Please note that closing dates/ times will not be extended for user error Late applications will not be accepted. Non NUI Galway employees If you are not a current NUI Galway employee please use the NUI Galway online recruitment portal to apply for this post. The following is a link to the online recruitment portal: http://erecruit.nuigalway.ie The following is a link to a User Guide for the online recruitment portal: http://www.nuigalway.ie/hr/documents/nuig_user_guide_academic_external.p df Please ensure that you read the attached guide prior to applying for this post and allow sufficient time to make your online submission in advance of closing date. Please note that closing dates/ times will not be extended for user error Late applications will not be accepted. Please submit the following documents under the Applicant CV section of the online form: a. A cover letter/personal statement A cover letter/personal statement outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements for the post of ‘Established Professor of Marine Biodiscovery’ b. A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date in relation to the key areas as Page 14 of 16 described in the Competency Framework for Professorship Roles at NUI Galway. The completed application document must be submitted online to reach the Human Resources Office no later than 17:00 (GMT) on 27th November 2014 Please note that an application will ONLY be considered if documents a and b above are fully completed and received by the closing date. B. All applicants will receive an acknowledgement of application. If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application or if you have any other queries regarding the application process please contact recruit@nuigalway.ie or telephone 091-492151. C. All applicants will receive an acknowledgement of application. If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application or if you have any other queries regarding the application process please contact recruit@nuigalway.ie or telephone 091-492151. D. Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER): It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position. E. Pension Entitlements: This is a pensionable position. Details of the applicable Pension Scheme will be provided to the successful candidate. The Pension element of this appointment is subject to the terms and conditions of the Pension scheme currently in force within the University. This Scheme may be amended or revised by the Irish Government or its agents at any time. The Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 set a minimum retirement age of 65 and removed the upper compulsory retirement age for certain New Entrants to the Public Sector on or after 1 April 2004. Effective from 1st January 2013, The Single Public Service Scheme applies to all first-time new entrants to the public service, as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. Retirement age set, initially, at 66 years; this will rise in step with statutory changes in the State Pension Contributory (SPC) age to 67 years in 2021 and 68 years in 2028. Compulsory retirement age will be 70. F. Declaration: Applicants will be required to declare whether they have previously availed of a public service scheme of incentivised early retirement. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other Public Service employment and/or where they have received a payment-in-lieu in respect of service in any Public Service employment. Page 15 of 16 2. Assessment Procedure (a) Board of Assessors Applications will be considered by a Board of Assessors, which will shortlist and interview candidates and report to the College, the Academic Council and Údaras na hOllscoile. All applications and other materials submitted by applicants will be treated in strict confidence by all panel members and others involved in the administration of the recruitment. No information about the identity of applicants, or details of their applications, will be released to others, except where it is necessary as part of the selection process. For example in the case of permanent academic posts, it is necessary for copies of shortlisted applications to be circulated and viewed by members of the College prior to candidates’ presentations as these members of college may attend the presentation on the day. Members of College may also view the full copy of all applications received (including those shortlisted and not shortlisted) for a permanent academic post by making a request/appointment to the HR Office. (b) Interview Dates Candidates will be advised of arrangements in due course. (c) Expenses Expenses are paid to candidates invited to the Assessors’ Interview (see (a) above). 3. Appointment The appointment will be made by the President, following adoption of the report of the Board of Assessors by the College of Science. (In the event that the College does not adopt the report, the appointment will be made by the President, following adoption of the report of the Board of Assessors by the Academic Council. In the event that the Academic Council does not adopt the report of the Board of Assessors, the decision as to the appointment, will be made by Údaras na hOllscoile (The University Governing Authority). All candidates will in due course be notified of the outcome of their application. The Human Resources Office will offer the post to the candidate appointed once the appointment has been made by the University Appointing Authorities. Page 16 of 16