Research Assistant – RiD-RTI
Nucleic Acid Diagnostics Research Laboratory
Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences
Ref. No. NUIG 112-13
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position as a
Research Assistant with Dr. Thomas Barry at the Nucleic Acid Diagnostics Research Laboratory
(NADRL), Microbiology at the National University of Ireland, Galway.
This position is funded by European Framework 7 and is available from January 1st 2014 to
contract end date of April 30th 2014 with a possible contract extension.
The NADRL at NUI Galway has vast experience in the development of novel nucleic acid
diagnostics assays for detection and identification of bacteria and fungi. This has included codevelopment of diagnostics assays with commercial partners including some of the largest IVD
companies on a global scale. NADRL core research activities include: Molecular diagnostic target
discovery; Nucleic acid based test design; and Integration of NUIG technologies onto diagnostics
platforms.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will be part of an FP7 funded project in a team consisting of two SME’s,
two universities and one hospital group who aim to develop a novel platform for the rapid
identification of respiratory tract infections (RiD-RTI). The principal objective of this study are to
develop and the validate a multiplex diagnostic system, based on a novel “sample-in, answer-out”
diagnostic platform, for the rapid detection (< 2 hrs) of the specific microbial aetiology of RTIs in
adults and children acquired in the community and in hospitals. The combination of rapid,
sensitive, simple to use, sample-in answer-out diagnostics technology with high-level multiplex
capability for identifying the specific causative microorganism(s) and drug resistance profile of RTIs
is the key advantage of the RiD-RTI technology compared to competing diagnostics technologies.
Qualifications/ Essential Criteria
 Hold an MSc in Microbiology or a relevant discipline
 Have a minimum of 2 peer reviewed publications, in the area of development and
optimisation of diagnostics assays for infectious disease or alternatively have a minimum of
3 years experience with industry in the field of molecular diagnostics
 Must have experience in multiparametric platforms such as Luminex
 Must have experience in molecular biology techniques
 Must have experience in the development of multiplex real-time PCR, optimisation and
validation of diagnostics assays
 Experience in the development and/or optimisation of sample preparation/nucleic acid
extraction methods
 Experience of culturing Class II human clinical pathogens (bacteria and fungi)
 Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication and organisational skills
 Must be highly motivated and passionate about developing new products
 Strong collaborative skills are required to work as part of a highly interdisciplinary team
 Experience in training and laboratory-based supervision of students and/or other
researchers in molecular diagnostics assay development
 Fluency in written and spoken English is essential
Desirable Criteria
 High level of IT skills: experience in use of relevant bioinformatics software and a
proficiency in the full Microsoft Office package and use of the Internet
 Good initiative, flexibility and good organisational skills
 Technical troubleshooting skills
 Report writing and presentation skills
 A knowledge of microorganisms associated with RTI’s
Salary: €21,850- €32,930 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will
apply)
Start date: Positions are available from 1st January 2014
Further information about the NADRL is available at:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/microbiology/dr__thomas_barry.html and Informal enquiries concerning
the post may be made to Dr. Thomas Barry
To Apply:
Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be
sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Dr. Thomas Barry: Thomas.barry@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG 112-13 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Friday 6th December.
Interviews will take place on the 12th of December 2013
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunity employer.