Institute of Technology Tallaght
Biosensor Scientist at MiCRA Biodiagnostics
Dairy Processing Technology
Quality control of processed milk is of extreme importance to the dairy industry since a variety of microorganisms is responsible for food-borne illnesses, food poisoning, product spoilage and reduced shelf life.
Thermoduric or heat resistant micro-organisms and spore-forming bacteria are particularly hazardous to
the general population, especially to infants, the immunocompromised and the elderly. Bacterial testing
routinely focuses on traditional culture and colony counting techniques requiring three days to process
samples during which time production problems arise.
SIGNALMAN is a collaboration between the Dairy Processing Technology Centre, a Limerick-based dairy
industry consortium and MiCRA Biodiagnostics. The R&D considers the technical issues associated with
rapid microbial analysis and the engineering needed for in-line sensor technology to detect spore-forming
bacteria in milk and dairy processing.
MiCRA Biodiagnostics is funded under Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Gateway programme. The facility has
a strong and growing portfolio of applied research, making knowledge and expertise accessible to local and
national industry. The remit of the facility concerns the advancement of the next generation of chemical
and biological sensor technologies in collaboration with industry and biotechnology partners. MiCRA’s
sensor technologies are being applied to analytical problems in human and veterinary diagnostics, aseptic
manufacture, dairy processing and water quality assessment. MiCRA is supported by state-of-the-art
surface science instrumentation, cell culture/microbiology laboratories, prototype fabrication facilities and
by research facilities provided under the HEA PRTLI Cycle 4 (€9.2M) research funding.
For informal discussions concerning the Signalman project contact:
Dr Brian Seddon MiCRA Biodiagnostics 00 353 1 4042046; brian.seddon@ittdublin.ie
For information on MiCRA, see www.micra.ie
Please complete application form available at
http://www.it-tallaght.ie/currentvacancies
and return together with a covering letter to human.resources@ittdublin.ie
Closing date for all applications by post: 17:00 on 22nd January 2016
ITT Dublin is an Equal Opportunities Employer
Job Specification
Biosensor Scientist – MiCRA Biodiagnostics
(Fixed Term contract for 12 months)
MiCRA Biodiagnostics has an exciting new research position for a Biosensor Scientist to work on the
development of spore-detecting sensors in the dairy processing industry. The scientist will assist in the
preparation and characterisation of functionalised polymer surfaces integrated to biosensors for the
detection and counting of spore-forming bacteria. The work will lead to the development of a novel class of
biosensor which can perform automated microbiological analysis on milk and whey samples. The Biosensor
Scientist is expected to work closely with MiCRA members and industry associates to advance an in situ
instrument for the dairy industry, optimising biosensor performance.
Desirable Experience
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The role would be suitable for a Masters’ degree scientist, or qualified PhD researcher with
experience or knowledge of current chemical and biosensor technologies.
A background in analytical chemistry techniques.
Previous research work on bioassays, or diagnostic microbiology techniques.
Preparation and characterisation of protein immobilised surfaces.
The job description is not intended to be complete or limiting. The role of the biosensor scientist requires a
creative and flexible approach to support an innovative biotechnology programme.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
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Design and fabrication of polymer and protein functionalised surfaces for the selective capture of
vegetative cells and spores of Bacillus cereus.
Development of biosensor schemes for Bacillus cereus detection utilising functionalised polymer
surfaces.
Integration of functionalised materials with electrodes; development of a basic alpha prototype for
the detection of spore-forming bacteria.
Contribute to the advancement of ideas for a biosensor for Bacillus cereus which may require
market research, invention disclosure or patent writing.
Engage with potential corporate partners and dairy industry associates to aid the
commercialisation of SIGNALMAN technology.
Produce technical report updates to the SIGNALMAN project team, industrial partners and funding
agency.
Salary €29,637 p.a
Institute of Technology Tallaght
MiCRA Biodiagnostics
Application Form
Biosensor Scientist
Closing Date - 17:00 on 22nd January 2016
Personal
Surname
First Names
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Telephone (Home / Mobile)
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Qualifications
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Employment Record
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From - to
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Employer
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Employer
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Duties & Responsibilities:
Relevance to the post applied for:
Position Held
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Relevance to the post applied for:
Position Held
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Technical Skills (Tick appropriate boxes)
Skills Area
Experience in analytical microbiology, such as
colony counting techniques.
Practical skills involving the analysis of sporeforming bacteria.
Practice or knowledge concerning the
preparation and characterisation of proteins on
polymer materials.
Practical know-how. or knowledge of chemical
or biosensor technologies.
Use of electrodes or electrochemical
instrumentation, or related analytical
techniques.
Peer-review Publications
Other Publications
Knowledge / Skill level
Strong
Moderate
Weak
Patents
Are there any legal restrictions on your right to work in Republic of Ireland? If so, you must specify
what they are :
Referees
Name and address of two independent persons, not related to you, who can attest to your professional
competence. At least one of these should have supervised your work in the recent past.
Name & Position
Address & Telephone Number
If appointed please indicate the earliest date at which you would be available to take up duty.
_________________________________________________
I certify that the information given in this application form is correct.
Signature _________________________ Date ____________________________
INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY TALLAGHT - CANDIDATES SHOULD NOTE THE FOLLOWING
All particulars asked for should be given on the application form. Reference to Curriculum Vitae is not
sufficient, though you may, if you wish, submit a curriculum vitae and further information in support of
your application. The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is not later than 17:00 hours
on 22nd January 2016. Completed application forms should be returned to:
The Human Resources Manager
Institute of Technology
Tallaght
Dublin 24
(Please ensure that the proper postage is applied, as under stamped envelopes may not be delivered in
time)
If you wish, you may send in your application by fax (01 4042883), or e-mail it to
Human.resources@ittdublin.ie to ensure that your application is in before the deadline. You should also
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+353-1-4042120 or +353-1-4042705
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Applicants should ensure that they are not precluded from re-engagement in the Irish Public Service under
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Proposed merger of Three Institutes
Please note that it is planned that three institutions in the Dublin region – Dublin Institute of Technology
(DIT), Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown (ITB) and Institute of Technology, Tallaght (ITTD) will merge
into a single institution to form the new Dublin Institute of Technology, prior to seeking designation as a
Technological University for Dublin. Thereafter staff may be assigned or re-assigned to any of the buildings
/ centres in the new Dublin Institute of Technology, at the discretion of the Institute.
Please note that the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay
policy.
Further information
Check out the Institutes web site at http://www.ittdublin.ie or contact Human.Resources@ittdublin.ie or
telephone +353-1-4042120