RESEARCH ASSISTANT APC MICROBIOME IRELAND

13 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University College Cork

Department

HR Research

Research Field

Chemistry » Biochemistry

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Ireland

Application Deadline

7 Jun 2024 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

39

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Position Summary

APC Microbiome Ireland (formerly Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, APC) was formed in 2003 with funding from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and key industry partners. APC represents a seamless collaboration between UCC, Teagasc and MTU. APC is a trans-disciplinary research centre, with clinicians, clinician-scientists and basic scientists from diverse backgrounds working in teams, sharing ideas and resources. Although focused upon the gastrointestinal bacterial community (the microbiota), the scale and scope of the work has become one of the fastest moving areas of biology. The microbiota is not only a target for treatment and prevention of disease, but also a repository for functional food ingredients and even new drugs and is a source of novel biomarkers of disease risk. Over the last two decades, the APC has established itself as one of the leading global centres in gut microbiota research. The APC has made several landmark discoveries and has published over 3500 research articles in peer-reviewed journals, generating many journal covers and associated editorials. The APC collaborates with over 20 industry partners and employs 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. The APC has significant interest in intestinal inflammatory diseases, understanding its pathogenesis and discover new treatments.

We are currently recruiting a research assistant to work under a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)-funded project aiming to examine the biotherapeutic potential of Lachnospiraceae strains in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The candidate will work with Lachnospiraceae strains isolated from healthy individuals to examine their anti-inflammatory potential in intestinal epithelial cell systems including cell lines and organoids (3D mini-guts) and in animal models of intestinal inflammation. We’re looking for a passionate researcher with a background in biochemistry, immunology and/or microbiology with skills in mammalian cell culture, anaerobic bacteria growth, co-culture systems, viability assays, ELISA, flow cytometry, etc. Previous experience with animal models of inflammation including colitis is desirable.

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:

Determining the biotherapeutic potential of missing Lachnospiraceae in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Post Duration:

2 years 3 months.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry » Biochemistry

Education Level

Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Research Assistant

This title will apply to a person of appropriate qualifications e.g., BSc or MSc, employed on a contract for the purpose of assisting in the performance of research in the University.  A Research Assistant will usually work under the direction of one or more Principal Investigator’s/Senior Researchers within a dedicated laboratory on one or more research projects.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• To work under the direction of the Principal Investigator/Project Leader.
• To provide assistance in conducting research activities, including planning, organizing, conducting, and communicating research studies within the overall scope of a research project.
• To coordinate and perform a variety of independent and team activities involved in the collection, analysis, documentation and some interpretation of information/results.
• To undertake tasks which may include recording results and preparing technical reports including conclusions and recommendations.  To coordinate the development of forms, questionnaires and the application of qualitative and quantitative research techniques; write procedures manuals for data collection and coding. 
• To present information on research progress and outcomes to others responsible for the research project.
• To provide guidance as required to any support staff and/or research students assisting with the research project, as agreed with the Principal Investigator/Grant holder.
• Ideally to contribute to the publication of findings.
• To confer with the Principal Investigator in developing plans for research projects and to discuss the interpretation of results and the preparation of manuscripts for publication. 
• To perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Specific Requirements

The successful candidate will provide a cover letter with evidence for how they meet the following essential criteria:

• A graduate qualification in a field of discipline relevant to the area of investigation i.e. BSc or MSc degree in biochemistry, microbiology and/or immunology or similar life science degree.
• Some research experience is desirable.
• Good report writing and presentation skills
• Previous laboratory experience and practices are desired.
• Good analytical skills and computer skills.
• An ability to work independently to a tight schedule.
• Capability of working effectively within a team to achieve results.
• Evidence of excellent organisational and communication skills.
• High levels of initiative are encouraged.
• Significant experience in one or more of the following areas will be beneficial: mammalian cell culture, anaerobic bacteria growth, co-culture system, viability assays, ELISA, animal models of inflammation
• The successful candidate will be required to contribute to the APC’s Public Engagement programme, by being involved in science related dissemination activities for the public and schools

Please note that Garda vetting and international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

Languages

ENGLISH

Research Field

Chemistry » Biochemistry

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University College Cork

Country

Ireland

State/Province

Cork

City

Cork

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://ore.ucc.ie/

Contact

City

Cork

Website

http://www.ucc.ie/en/

Street

Western Road

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED