Post-Doctoral Researcher

University College Cork – School of Microbiology
Location: Ireland
Salary: €35,488 to €42,394
£30,278.36 to £36,170.56 converted salary* IUA Scale
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Contract / Temporary
Closes: 23rd February 2017
College: College of Science, Engineering and Food Science

Job Type: Research

Position Summary

A postdoctoral position is available in the Environmental Microbial Genomics group at the School of Microbiology at University College Cork. The group’s main area of interest is the study of microorganisms in marine and terrestrial environments and their potential biotechnological exploitation. The group are focused on gaining a fuller understanding of how microbes survive, grow and interact in their various ecological niches; an approach which is fundamental to their exploitation for biotechnological applications. The researchers have an established international track record in microbial and fungal genetics, microbial biodiversity and in marine biodiscovery. http://publish.ucc.ie/researchprofiles/D021/adobson. Responsibilities include: (1) Genome “mining” of thirteen bioactive marine Streptomyces isolates, employing bioinformatics based approaches. (2) Validation of gene clusters by inducing expression in heterologous host systems and characterisation of the bioactive metabolites produced. (3) Collaborate with the Thomas group at NUIG with the chemical identification of these metabolites. (4) Mentor two PhD students in the group who are currently working on the genome “mining” of other bioactive marine Streptomyces spp.

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AND ROLE: Following an extensive screening regime involving over 540 Streptomyces spp. isolated from marine sponges and sediments from Irish waters; a number of strains which displayed good antimicrobial activities have been identified. These strains displayed growth inhibition of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) human pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-insensitive Staphylococcus aureus (ViSA). The genomes of thirteen of these isolates have been sequenced and will be “mined” for gene clusters encoding pathways for novel bioactive compounds. The project involves a collaboration with the Natural Products Chemistry group of Professor Olivier Thomas at NUI Galway, who will assist with the chemical identification of the bioactive metabolites; through the recently funded National Marine Biodiscovery Laboratory programme. http://www.nuigalway.ie/our-rese…/…/chemistry/olivierthomas/

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERTISE: PhD (Molecular Microbiology), previous experience in the area of Streptomyces genetics is essential. Must also have a proven ability to conduct independent research to a high level. The position will also provide the opportunity to develop leadership skills by providing guidance and mentorship to a number of post graduate students in the group. The successful candidate must be capable of working independently and of mentoring graduate students.

Post duration: 24 months

Project: National Marine Biodiscovery Laboratory

For full particulars on this post please refer to: https://www.ucc.ie/…/v…/research/full-details-744894-en.html

For Informal Enquiries on the post candidates should contact:

Name: Alan Dobson

Title: Professor

Email Address: a.dobson@ucc.ie

Telephone: 353214902743

To Apply:

Please submit a short cover letter and C.V. together with the names of three referees to Professor Alan Dobson, a.dobson@ucc.ie, on or before the closing date February 23rd , 2017.

Supplementary Information on the Department/Research Centre and the post is available at the following URL: https://www.ucc.ie/en/microbiology/

http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AWZ282/post-doctoral-researcher/

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