Job Title:
Senior Postdoctoral Researcher Department:
Clinical Microbiology Reporting to: Prof
Deirdre Fitzgerald Hughes Location:
RCSI Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital Contract/Duration: Fixed term/1 year Remuneration: IUA Postdoctoral Researcher scale (level 2a PD- up to level 2b PD2, Pt2, commensurate with experience)
Closing Date: 7th February 2025 RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health.
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Summary of Post The NoHoW-AMR project is a National Challenge Project funded by Research Ireland and is a collaborative project between RCSI (Dept.
of Clinical Microbiology), Beaumont Hospital (Dept.
of Infection Prevention and Control) and DCU (Schools of Chemistry and Engineering).
Our challenge is to develop a(PDD) technology capable of reducing the risk of transmission of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) pathogens in the healthcare environment via sanitaryware (sinks and drain pipework).
PDD has the potential to be more effective, sustainable and environmentally-friendly than current disinfection methods.
We have developed PDD coatings that effectively kill AMR pathogens and destroy their DNA.
In the next phase, we are expanding our team and will further improve the antibiofilm properties of the materials and build a working prototype within a model sink, before performance testing in the hospital environment.
Specifically, the duties of the post are: Design and test experimental protocols for evaluation of antibiofilm and DNA damaging properties of photo-activated coating materials.
Compare culture and non-culture surveillance methods for quantification of AMR-pathogens in the hospital environment.
With team-members, conduct field testing to evaluate the efficacy and performance of the prototype under a variety of conditions.
Manage administrative aspects of the project, e.g., budget, ordering, collaborator meetings Manage ethics applications/reports, data management plan, project agreements etc.
Prepare reports for publications and progress reviews for stakeholders and funders.
Present findings and updates to project stakeholders, including hospital administrators, healthcare professionals, and funders.
With the PI, engage with and support related projects and those involved in them.
Collaborate with the wider team of chemists, engineers, microbiologists and healthcare staff to manage the progress of the project.
Meet with stakeholders and end-users to optimize the prototype for practical application.
Explore pathways for scaling the technology for broader uses.
Contribute to securing funding for further research or commercialization efforts.
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line manager.
Qualifications - (Essential): PhD in Microbiology or other relevant field Knowledge & Experience - (Essential) Postdoctoral experience in managing interdisciplinary research projects.
Proven track record of research publication or other research outputs.
Proven experience in a diverse laboratory research methods and research-related activities.
Strong decision making and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication skills, appropriate to audience and situation.
Excellent time-management, interpersonal and organisational skills.
Ability to work independently and flexibly in a busy environment.
Excellent administration and IT skills.
Knowledge & Experience - (Desirable) Experience in managing an inter-institutional research project.
Knowledge of research commercialization.
Experience in project management Experience of working in a healthcare environment We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you.
Application Process Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal before the closing date with your CV and cover letter.
Informal Enquiries can be directed to Prof Deirdre Fitzgerald Hughes ().
Please note we do not accept CVs directly.
Employee Benefits RCSI make sure you have the resources you need to thrive by offering a wide range of benefits in areas including time away, finance, community, health, and well-being and insuring your financial future.
Below are some additional benefits available to you as an RCSI employee: Minimum of 20 days annual leave, plus an additional 6.5 Privilege days Flexible/hybrid working options for colleagues across many roles Additional leave options incl.
paid maternity leave, paternity/parental leave, study leave 7% Employer pension contribution Onsite gym €10 per/mth incl.
classes and PT sessions Childcare support 20% discount at Giraffe Free eye test and annual flu vaccination TaxSaver commuter tickets and Bike to Work schemes A site sustainability team focusing on the environmental initiatives; Green Campus Initiative ' Competitively priced café and restaurant Equality, Diversity & Inclusion forums, and network groups Employee assistance programme with Spectrum Life Learning and Development training programmes incl.
LinkedIn Learning for career progression Discounted services incl.
GP visits, 10% off dental, staff parking, mobile tariffs, Group Scheme discount on numerous brands Sports and social club incl.
yoga, Pilates, fitness classes, Zumba, running club, social evenings, Summer BBQ Ticket Draws for events including; Rugby, Taste of Dublin, Dublin Horse Show, theatre, music & comedy events