SFI-TIDA Postdoctoral Researcher
Discipline of Botany and Plant Sciences
School of Natural Sciences
Ref. No. NUIG 111-14
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 Prof 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, and the
successful candidate will be expected to start in January 2015.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will use synthetic biology techniques to create novel biosynthetic pathways for
iron, zinc and selenium accumulation in yeast. In addition, the selected candidate will develop a rapid
biosensor for qualitative metal accumulation in cells. The successful candidate will quantify the efficiency of
mineral uptake by performing metabolic analyses using HPLC, ion chromatography and GC-MS. The project
is intended to generate IP relating to novel gene cassettes and biosensors, and the postholder will assist in
developing a commercialisation strategy for the research project.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have a strong track record in both plant and yeast genetics research, and proven
experience in molecular biology and genetics techniques is essential. Applicants must hold a PhD, (or have
a PhD in prospect) on plant/yeast molecular biology, ideally with a focus on abiotic stress and/or orphan
genes. The candidate will be expected to have (a) Strong experience in cloning (preferably Gateway
cloning); (b) Strong experience in bacterial and yeast transformation; © Experience in Caco-2 epithelial
bioavailability assays; (d) Strong experience of PCR and qRT-PCR techniques; (e) Excellent communication
and organizational skills; (f) Highly motivated and passionate about developing new innovations; and (f)
Interest in synthetic biology and in development of synthetic biology research training and capabilities in NUI
Galway.
Salary: €37,750 – 41,181 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply)
Start date: January 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 Discipline of Botany & Plant Sciences within the School of Natural Sciences at
the National University of Ireland, Galway is available at http://www.nuigalway.ie/botany
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 Prof. Charles Spillane
(charles.spillane@nuigalway.ie). Please put reference number NUIG 111-14 in subject line of e-mail
application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Tuesday 9th December 2014.
Interviews are planned to be held the week beginning 15th December 2014.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.