Research Assistant, APC Microbiome Ireland/School of Microbiology

2 Years, Fixed-Term, Whole-time Post

Position Summary

APC Microbiome Ireland (APC) was formed in 2003 with funding from Science Foundation Ireland and over the last 20 years APC Microbiome Ireland has established itself as one of the leading global centres in gut microbiota and gut inflammation research. The scientific organisation of the institute consists of several integrated research themes in microbiome science which are supported by multiple shared core technology platforms. It represents a seamless collaboration between researchers at University College Cork, Teagasc Moorepark and MTU, in collaboration with industry partners from the food, pharma, biotech, diagnostics and veterinary sectors. APC Microbiome Ireland has significant strengths in microbiology, mucosal immunology, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) research, bioinformatics, pre-clinical and translational IBD research. The APC comprises over 300 individuals, from the scientific PI’s (the APC Faculty) funded by the partner Institutions, the management team, and a dedicated group of research scientists, research assistants and postgraduate students. SUSFERM is a fermentation science and bioprocess engineering centre that provides research infrastructure and performs research across the disciplines of microbiology, food science and process and chemical engineering. It is particularly focused on developing new knowledge, products and processes in the biotechnology sphere to advance progress towards the development of a sustainable circular bioeconomy.

Description of project and role: We are seeking a highly motivated research assistant scientist to join our teams at APC Microbiome Ireland and SUSFERM to work on an industry-supported collaborative research programme. The successful candidate will work within the SUSFERM Centre to support several APC Microbiome Ireland research projects that are focused on microbial genomics, gut microbiota, microbiome science, and microbe-host interactions. The successful candidate will be responsible for management of a dedicated microbial strain collection, development of microbial assays, and provision of strains and cultures for further characterisation. The appointee will receive specialised training in strain management as well as in the new and innovative microbial fermentation infrastructure within SUSFERM. In this position, the appointed individual will be expected to carry out lab management tasks and assist in the training of undergraduate and graduate students. They will also be expected to make scientific laboratory-based contributions to the research goals and milestones of the research programme as an integral member of the team. The appointed person will gain experience of working with industry partners on cutting-edge projects and will have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership skills within the Centre.

UCC is an accredited research organisation and as such can form hosting agreements with third country nationals (and non-EEA nationals) for the purpose of conducting research in the University.

Project Title: Fonterra Microbiome Research Centre

Post Duration: 2 Years

Salary: €30,025 - €39,908, (IUA Research Assistant Scale)

For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. John Morrissey, School of Microbiology and Principal Investigators at APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC; Email: [email protected]

Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to [email protected], quoting the job-title and project name.

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday, 15th March 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.  As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively. UCC is committed to being an employer that recognises the value of diversity amongst its staff.  We encourage applicants to consult our policies at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/policies/ and initiatives at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/implementation/ and we welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER