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Unicov Research Assistant, Genetics & Biotechnology Lab, Centre For One Health, Ryan Institute

National University of Ireland,GalwayFull-timePart-timeTemporary

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position as a Research Assistant in the Genetics & Biotechnology Lab of Prof Charles Spillane within the Ryan Institute at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

This position is funded by SFI and DEFHRIS and is available immediately to contract end date of 28.02.2022.

Job Description: The Research Assistant is required to advance the lab-based research within Prof. Charles Spillane’s lab that underpins the UniCoV Covid-19 multi-site, randomised controlled clinical study led by the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) in partnership with Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD) and University College Cork (UCC). Funded by Science Foundation Ireland, the four universities and the HSE and supported by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science and Department of Health, UniCoV will further develop and apply testing, screening and surveillance strategies, proven tools used by Public Health to assist with early warning systems for disease, in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Ireland. Involving both students and staff, the UniCoV study explores the feasibility and acceptability of self-reporting, self-testing and biosample surveillance systems to assist with the safe and sustainable re-opening of Higher Education Institutes’ (HEI) campuses, and society more broadly. Prof. Spillane is a co-Principal Investigator of the NUI Galway led UniCoV project (www.unicov.org).

Duties: The Genetics & Biotechnology Lab of Prof. Charles Spillane in the Ryan Institute at the National University of Ireland Galway is engaged in molecular diagnostics, screening and surveillance systems for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus (that causes COVID-19) in populations. The Research Assistant will be a member of the UniCoV (www.unicov.org) project team within the SpillaneLab where they will be required to:

  • Develop, improve and deploy molecular systems for large-scale mass-testing and surveillance screening for the virus that causes Covid-19.

  • To participate in the development of protocols for effective COVID-19 screening and surveillance.

  • To complete research and review articles related to COVID-19 screening so that they are ready for submission to high quality journals.

  • Key duties to include:

    • Actively engage in internationally cutting-edge research on COVID-19 diagnostics and surveillance screening systems within the SpillaneLab. 
    • Write up results from research activity and help to draft technical reports, presentations, communication materials, and draft manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals.
    • Provide input to analysis of results, and contribute to dissemination of obtained data, including statistical analysis of significant effects of treatments.
    • To engage in regular systematic literature and database searches for understanding latest advances in COVID-19 diagnostic systems.
    • To assist research supervisors in the development of the business case to position diagnostic technologies for commercialisation.
    • To work closely with students assigned to the Project, and assist in daily supervision of their research activities.
    • To keep appropriate records as directed and in line with Funder/University policy
    • To work closely with other members of Professor Spillane's research team on an on-going basis to support the efficient functioning of the project through providing continuous contributions to the technical program, including aiding in the preparation of grant reporting and follow-on research and innovation financing leverage.

    The Research Assistant will be supervised by Professor Spillane and senior research members of Professor Spillane’s team, where the Research Assistant will be required to engage in weekly lab meetings and presentations.

    Qualifications/Skills required:

    Essential Requirements:

    • MSc in Biological Sciences or equivalent research experience, with demonstrated research and technical molecular biology expertise in virus testing and data analysis.
    • Superb molecular biology skills.
    • Cutting edge knowledge of COVID-19 testing and screening methodologies.
    • Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc).
    • Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation).

    Desirable Requirements:

    • Bioinformatics skills for analysis of next-generation sequencing datasets.
    • Expertise in Crispr/cas9 genome editing and synthetic biology techniques.
    • Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.
    • Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills.
    • Strongly self-motivated and organised approach.

    Salary: €27,109 to €36,422 per annum pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).

    Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post 

    Start date: Position is available from earliest possible start date January 2022.

    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. NUI Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia. Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment - see www.nuigalway.ie/rdc for further information.

    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

    Further information about Ryan Institute is available at http://www.nuigalway.ie/ryaninstitute/

    www.spillanelab.orgwww.unicov.org

    Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Professor Charles Spillane charles.spillane@nuigalway.ie

    To Apply: Applications to include a 1 page covering letter, CV,and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Professor Charles Spillane Charles.spillane@nuigalway.iePlease put reference number NUIG RES 006-22 in subject line of e-mail application. Any applications that do not include the reference number NUIG RES 006-22 in subject line of e-mail application will not be considered.

    Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm 27.01.2022

    We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.

    National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

    All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment

    The closing date for applications is Thursday the 27th of January 2022

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