This research project involves the use of Anisotropy, Excitation Emission Matrix Fluorescence spectroscopy and multi-way chemometric methods for the quantitative analysis of protein structure changes in simple and complex liquids. The research project aims to develop a new type of analytical methodology for accurately measuring and observing changes in protein structure caused by external factors such as those encountered during the purification of therapeutic proteins.
This will involve the study of various proteins sourced from both industry and academia. The research is based on several novel spectroscopic methods developed by researchers in the Nanoscale Biophotonics Laboratory (NBL) and forms part of the Science Foundation Ireland funded Investigator award: Advanced Analytics for Biological Therapeutic Manufacture (AA-BTM), to Dr. Alan Ryder. The research will require a candidate who has practical experience of protein analysis and or analytical chemistry, is mathematically literate, and has good scientific writing skills.
The Nanoscale Biophotonics Laboratory (NBL) is based at the School of Chemistry located at the National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. The NBL is a multidisciplinary research group that focuses on the use of optical spectroscopy for the analysis of complex materials and environments. Research involves projects across the life, physical, and industrial sciences. The NBL also has one of the best-equipped spectroscopy research laboratories in Europe and long standing collaborations with many biopharmaceutical manufacturers.
Stipend: €16-18,000 per annum (depending on experience) & fees for 4 years.
Entry Requirements: A first class or upper 2:1 honours degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry (or a related, relevant discipline). An M.Sc. degree or relevant industrial bioanalysis experience, would be beneficial. Preference will be given to candidates with relevant validated experience in associated disciplines such as protein biophysics and Chemometrics/Statistics. In addition, good computational, writing, and communication skills are essential for these projects, which involve close interaction with the pharmaceutical industry. For international candidates a strong, validated English language fluency/proficiency as demonstrated by an IELTS score of >6.5 (or TOEFL IBT score of 92) is required.
Expected start date: 1st September 2015
How to apply: Interested candidates should contact Dr. Alan Ryder in person or by email (alan.ryder@nuigalway.ie) and send a detailed CV (including details of all third level university courses & grades) with covering letter, and the names of three referees.
Closing date for applications: 30th July 2015
Further information is available at www.nuigalway.ie/nanoscale/ or
For informal discussion, contact Dr. Alan Ryder in person or by email (alan.ryder@nuigalway.ie)