SFI-TIDA Postdoctoral Researcher (3D BioPrinting & Synthetic Biology)
Genetics & Biotechnology Lab, Plant & AgriBiosciences Research Centre
School of Natural Sciences, NUI Galway
Ref. No. NUIG-154-15
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term (12 months)
position as Postdoctoral Researcher in the Genetics and Biotechnology Lab of Professor Charles
Spillane within the Plant and AgriBiosciences Research Centre (PABC), in the School of Natural
Sciences at the National University of Ireland, Galway (http://www.spillanelab.org). The position is
funded by an SFI-TIDA award. The successful candidate will be expected to start in early
February 2016.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will work on the “3D Bio-printing for bio-batteries” project combining 3D
bioprinting, synthetic biology, engineering and electro-biochemistry skills to develop a prototype 3D
printed bio-battery. The candidate will develop a 3D bioprinting platform in the Genetics and
Biotechnology Lab and will be engaged in training of students, interns and guest researchers on
the project in 3D bioprinting and synthetic biology (including fostering of an iGEM team). The
successful candidate will have a strong and proven record in 3D bioprinting and synthetic biology,
and will be interested in contributing to the development of follow-on funding and
commercialization pathways involving intellectual property (IP) and spin-out company activity from
the project and related activities. The successful candidate will be required to undertake
entrepreneurship training in relation to the project. Previous experience with working on 3D printing
of plant, diatom and bacterial cells would be an advantage, as would a strong background in
molecular biology, synthetic biology and electro-biochemistry. This challenging project requires a
highly dynamic researcher who can combine “out of the box” research approaches and thinking
using an inter-disciplinary combination of 3D bioprinting/engineering, synthetic biology. The
successful candidate should be highly aware of the bio-maker and bio-hacker community
approaches to innovation in Ireland and internationally.
Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a PhD, awarded prior to 2016, on 3D bioprinting, ideally in combination with
plant/bacterial synthetic biology. The ideal candidate should have a strong track record in 3D
bioprinting, synthetic biology and with some knowledge of electro-biochemistry. Relevant research
experience with plant, diatom, yeast and/or bacterial cells would be essential. The candidate
should have; (a) a proven track record of research outputs – i.e. publications, patents – from 3D
bioprinting and synthetic biology; (b) excellent communication (including website, social media),
teamwork and organizational skills; (c) Highly motivated and passionate about developing new
innovations; and (d) be committed to development of 3D bioprinting and synthetic biology research
and training capabilities in the NUI Galway Plant and AgriBiosciences Research Centre.
Salary: €37,750 – €41,181 per annum
Start date: The successful candidate will be expected to start in early February 2016.
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 and AgriBiosciences Research Centre (PABC) at the National
University of Ireland, Galway is available at http://www.plantagbiosciences.org
To Apply:
Applications to include a short 200 word covering letter, CV, and the contact (email and phone)
details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Professor Charles
Spillane (charles.spillane@nuigalway.ie).
Please put reference number NUIG-154-15 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Monday 11th January 2016.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.