Research Assistant APC Microbiome
1 Year, Specific Purpose, Whole-time Post
Position Summary
Anaerobic Microbiologist
We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join the ERC funded project SYNergize based at the School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland at University College Cork. The successful candidate will use anaerobic microbiology techniques to culture, isolate and maintain stocks of diverse bacterial species within the human intestinal microbiota. This culture collection will be used for detailed phenotypic characterisation of gut bacteria with a focus on spore-formers.
Background:
Our intestinal microbiota consists of a dense community of microorganisms, highly adapted to the human gastrointestinal tract. Endospores (spores for short) are resilient structures that maintain bacterial integrity in a dormant state for extended periods. Many bacterial species in the intestinal microbiota are capable of producing spores, which allows these extremely anaerobic bacteria to transmit between human hosts. However, despite its importance, sporulation processes in commensal gut bacteria remain poorly understood. Using anaerobic microbiology techniques, microbial genomics and metagenomics, our main research focus is to characterise commensal spore-forming gut bacteria and develop a better understanding of their intestinal ecology and evolution.
Primary Duties:
1. Culture and isolate gut bacteria from human stool samples using anaerobic microbiology techniques.
2. Develop and maintain a culture collection using the isolated and purified bacteria for downstream phenotypic characterisation.
3. Ensure maintenance of and adherence to relevant Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments.
Other duties will include working with other team members (both computational and laboratory-based) to design and carry-out experiments, communicate results through relevant means, such as presenting at team meetings and take part in broader School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland activities as appropriate.
Essential Skills:
* Undergraduate degree in life sciences discipline.
* Microbiology laboratory research experience.
* Ability to communicate effectively with scientists from multiple disciplines both within the team and externally, including those from computational and clinical backgrounds.
* Ability to work to a schedule and manage and prioritise multiple competing projects.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a group, but to also seek assistance as necessary.
* Good written and oral communication skills.
Desirable Skills:
* Microbiology experience of working with strict anaerobic bacteria.
* Experience of working in a Containment Level 2 (CL2) Laboratory.
* Masters in life science discipline.
Project Title: SYNergize
Post Duration: 1 Year
Salary: €31,462 - €41,443 p.a (IUA Researcher Assistant Salary Scale)
For an information package including further details of the post see here.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence Dr. Hilary Browne, Senior Lecturer, School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland; Email: hilary.browne@ucc.ie
Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal here. 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 29th November, 2024
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.
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
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