Postdoctoral Researcher – Seaweed Microbiome Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute for Environment, Marine and Energy Research National University of Ireland, Galway
Ref. No. NUIG 012-17
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed-term position as a Postdoctoral Researcher with Dr Dagmar Stengel’s Research Group in Botany and Plant Science (Algal Biosciences) at the National University of Ireland, Galway. We seek to recruit a scientist with demonstrated expertise in seaweed biology and biochemistry, and marine microbiology. This position is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and is available from March 2017 to contract end date (31 October 2021), subject to a one year probationary period.
The research group (Algal BioSciences Group Botany and Plant Science) is housed within the Ryan Institute which is NUI Galway’s hub for Environmental, Marine and Energy research.
www.nuigalway.ie http://www.nuigalway.ie/…/school-of-natural-sciences/discip… http://www.nuigalway.ie/…/school-…/disciplines/botany-plant- science/research/algalbiosciences/
www.ryaninstitute.ie
The position:
The research position is part of a recently funded larger DAFM-funded research project lead by Dr Dagmar Stengel in collaboration with University College Cork and T eagasc, investigating seaweed-microbe interactions for novel applications in marine biotechnology.
Job Description:
The position will involve the sourcing (collection) of seaweeds from natural habitats, assistance with isolation and cultivation of bacteria, the extraction and analysis of compounds for high value applications (PI: Dr Dagmar Stengel, Botany and Plant Science, NUI Galway). Candidates should have extensive experience in algal and microbial ecology, experimental phycology and biochemical analyses of algal high value compounds. Candidates should be effective communicators across different scientific disciplines.
Duties:
Main duties and responsibilities:
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be based in the Ryan Institute at NUI Galway and will:
• Undertake and be responsible for sourcing (collection) of selected macroalgae from the Irish coast and experimental seaweed cultures under controlled conditions
• Undertake and support research in seaweed-microbial interactions

• Be responsible for experimental design on bioactive compound production, extraction and experimental manipulation
• Undertake extraction and analysis (e.g. HPLC, GC-MS) of bioactive compounds (e.g. pigments, PUFAs, MAAs) from macroalgae
• Assistance with supervision of PhD and other researchers in the project
• Liaise with and distribute samples and extracts to project partners
• Promote the work of the project through conference and workshop presentations,
and in peer-reviewed publications
• Assist project management team and interact with project partners
• Ensure that the project is carried out with reference to the appropriate health and
safety guidelines and any other relevant NUI Galway policies (e.g., purchasing and
procurement)
• Maintain confidentiality of Intellectual Property (IP) associated with the project
• Assist in the application and protection of IP by identifying potential research results
of value and preparing supporting documentation as required by the IP committee
and Technology Transfer Office
• Assist with supervision and training of students/researchers on related projects as
appropriate
Essential Qualifications:
• PhD in, or minimum of 4 years research experience in algal biology, physiology and biochemistry and/or microbiology
• Experience in extraction for bioactive compounds from macroalgae
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC and GC-MS
• Track record in application of ecological and physiological principles to algal growth
conditions at small-scale and impacts on biochemical composition
• Demonstrable experience in both independent and collaborative research
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English language)
• Evidence of scientific publication and dissemination of results at conferences
• Full clean driving licence applicable to Ireland
Desirable skills and experience:
• Experience in seaweed/algae-microbiome research
• Experience in collaborative and/or multi-institutional research
• Additional technical, analytical, biochemical and ecophysiological skills in areas that
can be applied towards analysis of marine biotechnology
• Appropriate supervisory and teaching experience may be an advantage • Appreciation of IP procedures relevant to university research
Candidate will ideally be qualified to PhD level in a relevant subject (phycology, algal ecophysiology, microbiology, algal biochemistry, algal cultivation, bioactive extraction and analysis); previous experience in research on seaweed-microbe interactions is highly desirable.
For informal enquiries regarding this position please contact Dr Dagmar Stengel, Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute, NUI Galway via e-mail at dagmar.stengel@nuigalway.ie
Salary: €37,750- €41,181 per annum. Start date: 15th March 2017

To apply: Applications should be sent as a single file (in Word or PDF only) to dagmar.stengel@nuigalway.ie and include;
1) a covering letter stating the reason and suitability for applying for this specific position, 2) a full curriculum vitae,
3) the names and contact details of at least three but not more than five referees who can be contacted for confidential references.
Continuing Professional Development/Training:
Researchers at NUI Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans.
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr. Dagmar Stengel,
dagmar.stengel@nuigalway.ie, +353 91 493192
Please put reference number NUIG-012-17 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Friday 17th February 2017.
All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.