Postdoc position in plant or bacterial synthetic biology, Ireland (2015)

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 Professor 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.  The successful candidate will be expected to start in early February 2016.

 Job Description:

 The successful candidate will work on the “3D Bio-printing for bio-batteries” project combining 3D bioprinting, synthetic biology, engineering and electro-biochemistry skills to develop a prototype 3D printed bio-battery. The candidate will develop a 3D bioprinting platform in the Genetics and Biotechnology Lab and will be engaged in training of students, interns and guest researchers on the project in 3D bioprinting and synthetic biology (including fostering of an iGEM team).

The successful candidate will have –

1. a strong and proven record in 3D bioprinting and synthetic biology, and
2. will be interested in contributing to the development of follow-on funding and commercialization pathways involving intellectual property (IP) and spin-out company activity from the project and related activities.
3. This challenging project requires a highly dynamic researcher who can combine “out of the box” research approaches and thinking using an inter-disciplinary combination of 3D bioprinting/engineering, synthetic biology.
4. The successful candidate should be highly aware of the bio-maker and bio-hacker community approaches to innovation in Ireland and internationally.

Qualificational requirements:

• Applicants must hold a PhD, awarded prior to 2016, on 3D bioprinting, ideally in combination with plant/bacterial synthetic biology.
• The ideal candidate should have a strong track record in 3D bioprinting, synthetic biology and with some knowledge of electro-biochemistry.
• Relevant research experience with plant, diatom, yeast and/or bacterial cells would be essential.
• The candidate should have;
• – (a) a proven track record of research outputs – i.e. publications, patents – from 3D bioprinting and synthetic biology;

• – (b) excellent communication (including website, social media), teamwork and organizational skills;
• – (c) Highly motivated and passionate about developing new innovations; and
• – (d) be committed to development of 3D bioprinting and synthetic biology research and training capabilities in the NUI Galway Plant and AgriBiosciences Research Centre.

Salary: €37,750 – €41,181 per annum

Start date: The successful candidate will be expected to start in early February 2016.

Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway.

Further information about the Plant and AgriBiosciences Research Centre (PABC) at the National University of Ireland, Galway is available at http://www.plantagbiosciences.org

 How 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 Professor Charles Spillane (charles.spillane@nuigalway.ie).

Please put reference number NUIG-154-15 in subject line of e-mail application.

Deadline: 5.00 pm on Monday 11^th January 2016.