Research Assistant X2, APC Microbiome Ireland/ Microbiology

24 MONTHS, 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.

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.

Description of project and role: We are seeking two highly motivated and experienced research assistant scientists to join APC Microbiome Ireland’s Host-Microbe Research Theme to investigate mechanisms underpinning host-microbe interaction. The successful applicants will investigate the effects of gut symbionts and selected probiotic strains on intestinal epithelial cell and immune cell responses. The successful candidate will have previous laboratory experience working in the areas of microbiology and immunology with specific expertise working with bacteria, immune cells, cell lines, flow cytometry, ELISAs etc. The person will use co-culture systems, flow cytometry, cytokine/chemokine analysis and gene expression analysis to identify mechanism underpinning the host response to bacteria. In this position, the individuals are expected to carry out lab management tasks and assist in the training of undergraduate and graduate students. They are also expected to make major scientific laboratory-based contributions to the research goals and milestones of the Host-Microbe Theme and will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills by providing mentorship to undergraduate graduate students.

Post Duration: 24 Months

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

Project: Fonterra Microbiome Research Centre

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

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr. Ken Nally, Senior Lecturer in School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, and Prof. Liam O’Mahony, School of Microbiology – both are Principal Investigators at APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC; Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/). Please include names and contact details of three referees. 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,

23rd February, 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