Postdoctoral Researcher
Bioactive Proteins/Peptides from Aquaculture Waste
School of Chemistry
Ref. No: NUIG 26-14
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a Postdoctoral Researcher full-time
position to be based at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) to work on the Marine
Functional Foods Research Initiative (Nutramara programme). It is supported by funds provided under
the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2013 (SSTI) and the Food Institutional
Research Measure (FIRM). The Nutramara programme involves a consortium of Teagasc and five
universities (NUIG, UCC, UCD, UL and UU Coleraine). This post is available from mid April 2014 to
31st December 2014 with the possibility of an extension to one year subject to funding.
Nutramara is an Irish collaborative research programme for the development of marine-based functional
foods, established by the Marine Institute and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.
Job description:
The main focus of the postdoctoral position is the extraction, fermentation, purification and chemical
characterisation of bioactive proteins/peptides from aquacultured shellfish and waste streams. S/he will
work closely with consortium members in bioactivity profiling of the extracts. The occupant is expected
to work independently as part of the NutraMara team, and will integrate into a highly interactive
environment. Effective communication skills are a desirable attribute as communication across a broad
range of scientific disciplines is part of the programme. The appointee will be responsible for the day-today activities in the laboratory, writing reports and publications and will assist supervision of junior staff
members and students.
Main duties and responsibilities:
 Collect marine materials, which will involve trips to aquaculture businesses or field stations
 Maintain sample details and research records for generated extracts
 Optimize extraction methods using solvent based systems and fermentation methods
 Perform chemical profiling, desalting and analyse extracts by SDS-PAGE, electrodialysis,
ultrafiltration, HPLC, LC-MS, and other relevant methods
 Fractionation/enrichment and purification of proteins/peptides by chromatography and other
relevant methods
 Chemical characterization and structure/sequence determination of proteins and peptides by
LC-MS and other relevant techniques
 Write reports, conduct literature reviews and curate data as required by the project
management team.
 Seek opportunities to promote the work of the Nutramara programme, through conference and
workshop presentations, and dissemination activities including publication of papers in high
impact, peer reviewed journals.
 Take responsibility for delivery of project objectives associated with NUI Galway
 Assist the project management team and interact with related PhD projects at NUI Galway and
the project partners in the consortium
 Assist the supervision of postgraduate and undergraduate students
 Manage or provide significant assistance to the operations of a research laboratory including
maintaining laboratory equipment and materials, the disposal of waste and the ordering of
supplies
 Provide high level of administrative and financial management support for research projects
and programs including the maintenance and use of electronic and paper based information
systems, data bases, websites etc
 Ensure that the project is carried out on time in accordance with the work programme and with
reference to the appropriate health and safety guidelines and any other relevant NUI Galway
policies (e.g, purchasing and procurement).
 Keep abreast of developments, activities and protocols in area of expertise through liaison with
staff and peers, reading relevant literature and attendance at meetings and seminars;
 Maintain confidentiality of Intellectual Property (IP) associated with the project and liaise with
the project IP committee to ensure this.

Assist in the application and protection of IP by identifying potential research results of value
and preparing supporting documentation as required by the IP committee and Technology
Transfer Office.
Skills required:
 A PhD in Food Chemistry on Protein/Peptide Chemistry/analysis
 Extensive competence in optimizing extraction and fermentation of natural proteins/peptides
 Demonstrated competence and experience in fractionation/enrichment/purification of proteins
and peptides (by electrodialysis, ultrafiltration, HPLC, gel filtration and other methods)
 Demonstrated experience in qualitative/quantitative analysis, characterization and
structure/sequence determination of peptide/protein metabolites (by LC-MS, MALDI-TOF-MS,
SDS-PAGE, Edman degradation and other relevant methods)
 A full driving licence
 Evidence of scientific publication in high-ranking journals and dissemination of results at
conferences
 Demonstrated experience in writing research proposals and conference papers
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills with proven ability to effectively analyse
information and produce clear, concise reports or documents requiring interaction with other
parties
 Ability to solve problems by using discretion, innovation and the exercise of high level of
diagnostic skills within areas of functional responsibility or professional expertise
 Planning and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks, set and meet
deadlines
 Demonstrated laboratory management skills (managing stocks of consumables, laboratory
organization etc)
 Proficiency with basic informatics tools (Excel, PowerPoint, basic informatics etc)
 Ability to work independently, motivation, enthusiasm and curiosity
Desirable skills:
 Prior hands-on experience with in vitro biological assays, set up and testing
 Prior hands-on experience with microbiology and other relevant techniques
 Evidence of outreach activities and/or links to industry
 Experience of IP procedures relevant to university research
Salary: €37,750 per annum, pro rata for shorter contracts (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to
new entrants will apply) Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post
Start date: Position is available from mid April 2014
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
Informal enquiries may be made to Prof. Deniz Tasdemir at deniz.tasdemir@nuigalway.ie
To apply: Applications should be sent as a single file (in Word or PDF only) and include; 1) a covering
letter stating the reason and suitability for applying for this specific research project, 2) a full curriculum
vitae, and 3) the names and contact details of at least three but not more than five referees who can be
contacted for confidential references to: deniz.tasdemir@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG 26-14 in subject line of e-mail when submitting application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Thursday, 3rd April 2014.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer