Organisation/Company: University College Cork
Department: HR Research
Research Field: Biological sciences » Other
Researcher Profile: Other Profession Positions
Research Support Positions
Country: Ireland
Application Deadline: 17 Jan 2025 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin)
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Offer Starting Date: 20 Dec 2024
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
11 Months, Specific Purpose Whole-Time Post
Position Summary
Applications are invited for the role of Research Assistant-Technical within APC Microbiome and the Biological Services Unit.
This position, funded by the APC Microbiome Institute, is dedicated to supporting the Biological Services Unit (BSU) at University College Cork. The BSU is a research facility committed to advancing scientific discovery through the ethical and responsible use of animals in research. We are seeking a skilled and experienced professional to join our team as a Research Assistant- Technical, a crucial support role essential to the operation of the facilities.
UCC is an accredited research organisation and as such can form hosting agreements with third country nationals (and non-EEA nationals) for the purpose of conducting research in the University.
Project Title: APC Funded Support
Post Duration: 11 Months, Whole-Time Post
Salary: €31,962 - €41,943 per annum, IUA Research Assistant Scale
This title will apply to a person of appropriate qualifications e.g., BSc or an MSc, employed on a contract for the purpose of assisting in the performance of research in the University. A Research Assistant will usually work under the direction of one or more Principal Investigator’s/Senior Researchers within a dedicated laboratory on one or more research projects.
The key duties and responsibilities include:
* To work under the direction of the Principal Investigator/Project Leader.
* To provide assistance in conducting research activities, including planning, organizing, conducting, and communicating research studies within the overall scope of a research project.
* To coordinate and perform a variety of independent and team activities involved in the collection, analysis, documentation and some interpretation of information/results.
* To undertake tasks which may include recording results and preparing technical reports including conclusions and recommendations. To coordinate the development of forms, questionnaires and the application of qualitative and quantitative research techniques; write procedures manuals for data collection and coding.
* To present information on research progress and outcomes to others responsible for the research project.
* To provide guidance as required to any support staff and/or research students assisting with the research project, as agreed with the Principal Investigator/Grant holder.
* Ideally to contribute to the publication of findings.
* To confer with the Principal Investigator in developing plans for research projects and to discuss the interpretation of results and the preparation of manuscripts for publication.
* To perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
Facility Maintenance:
* Execute routine maintenance tasks for specialised preclinical equipment and animal facilities.
* Conduct regular inspections to identify and address potential issues affecting research activities.
* Collaborate with the BSU team to establish and adhere to preventive maintenance schedules.
Technical Troubleshooting:
* Diagnose and troubleshoot technical problems related to laboratory equipment, animal housing systems, and related facilities.
* Work closely with the BSU technical team to implement efficient solutions.
Documentation and Compliance:
* Maintain accurate records of equipment maintenance, repairs, and facility inspections.
* Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and record-keeping requirements for preclinical facilities.
Project Support:
* Assist in the installation and commissioning of new laboratory equipment and animal facility systems.
* Provide technical support for ongoing research projects, collaborating with BSU researchers as needed.
Inventory Oversight:
* Manage inventory of spare parts and supplies necessary for equipment maintenance and facility operations.
* Coordinate timely availability of required components.
Safety and Environmental Compliance:
* Adhere to strict safety protocols and guidelines in preclinical facilities.
* Draft permits and gather other relevant information so that contractors can work on site.
* Report safety hazards or concerns to the BSU management team.
Physical Requirements:
* Ability to lift and move heavy equipment.
* Comfortable working in laboratory environments and animal housing facilities.
Health & Safety: In addition to the statutory safety duties of all employees (as prescribed in safety legislation and the relevant local safety statement) each staff member is responsible for:
* Discharging any safety functions delegated to them by their Head of College School Department Centre Unit, in relation to the areas/ activities under their control.
* Co-operating and assisting the University and the Head of College School Department Centre Unit in the discharge of their statutory safety responsibilities.
* Ensuring that all work under their control, is undertaken safely and without risk to health and complies with the provision of all relevant statutory legislation.
Note: As the university continues to expand and evolve, it is likely that flexibility in regard to the allocation of specific duties will be necessary. Accordingly, the list of duties specified above is not intended to be exclusive or restrictive; duties may be added or withdrawn but any such alteration will take place after consultation with the appointee.
Specific Requirements
SELECTION CRITERIA
The successful candidate will be expected to have:
* A graduate qualification in a field of discipline relevant to the area of investigation i.e. BSc or MSc.
* Some research experience is desirable.
* Good report writing and presentation skills.
* Previous laboratory experience and practices are desired.
* Good analytical skills and computer skills.
* An ability to work independently to a tight schedule.
* Capability of working effectively within a team to achieve results.
* Evidence of excellent organisational and communication skills.
* High levels of initiative are encouraged.
* The successful candidate will be required to contribute to the APC’s Public Engagement programme, by being involved in science related dissemination activities for the public and schools.
Please note that Garda vetting and international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
Candidates are requested to make a personal assessment of these criteria against their own qualifications, skills and abilities to assess whether they should apply for the post.
Please note: Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the criteria as detailed above will not be short listed.
The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.
Languages: ENGLISH
Research Field: Biological sciences » Other
Additional Information
Additional comments
Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal ( https://ore.ucc.ie/ ). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to recruitment@ucc.ie, quoting the job-title and project name.
Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday, 17th of January 2025.
No late applications will be accepted.
Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.
UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively. UCC is committed to being an employer that recognises the value of diversity amongst its staff. We encourage applicants to consult our policies at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/policies/ and initiatives at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/implementation/ and we welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy.
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
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