Postdoctoral Researcher, Adsorption based biotechnology to integrate…

Postdoctoral Researcher 

Adsorption based biotechnology to integrate methane emission mitigation and valorisation   

School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, and Ryan Institute 

Ref. No. University of Galway 303-22 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full time position as a Postdoctoral Researcher with the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences,in the research group of Dr. Alma Siggins, at the University of Galway.  

This position is aligned with a Royal Society – Science Foundation Ireland University Research Fellowship, and is available from 1st March 2023 to 30th September 2027.  

Job Description: 

The successful candidate will advance scientific knowledge of the integration of adsorption and microbial biotransformation. They will work with established industry partners to design, developand evaluate adsorbents with highly specified physical and chemical characteristics, and subsequently establish and optimise novel environmental biotechnology platforms for sustainable methanotrophicproduction of high value industrial compounds.   

In addition to the experimental aspects of the project, the successful candidate is expected to contribute to internal and external dissemination of the results, tosupport undergraduate and postgraduate student research projects, and participate in the daily life of the laboratory. They will also be strongly encouraged to work towards (co-)applying for funding to develop their own research area and interests, and/or participating in collaborative grant applications.  

The successful candidate will also contribute to teaching, to a maximum of 48 contact hours per academic year. Teaching will include contribution to modules associated with the Microbiology pathway of GY301 (undergraduate) and the MSc in Biotechnology, as required by the Pathway and Course Directors, respectively.  

Duties: 

• Investigate methane adsorption mechanisms by custom engineered adsorbents, experimentally and using established mathematical models.  

• Support a PhD student project investigatingmethanotrophic biofilm formation mechanisms associated with adsorbent characteristics 

• Contribute to the design and optimisation of a novel biotechnology platform for biological methane oxidation 

• Collaborate with the laboratory team technically and scientifically  

• Write papers/reports and mentor student writing development 

• Participate in dissemination activities, including internal seminars and national/international conferences 

• Participate in lab management  

• Contribute to Health and Safety requirements of the lab 

• Contribute to teaching within the GY301 Microbiology pathway, and MSc Biotechnology.  

Qualifications/Skills required:  

Essential Requirements:  

• PhD in Microbiology  

• Documented research experience with environmental biotechnology platforms 

• Strong publication track record, relevant to career stage, in environmental biotechnology. 

• Organisational, writing and report/paper drafting skills.  

• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.  

Desirable Requirements:  

• Evidence of student supervision/mentoring  

• Laboratory management experience including knowledge of Health and Safety requirements 

• Track record in interdisciplinary research, including Environmental Science, Engineering, or Chemistry 

• Experience in grant writing 

• Teaching experience at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels.  

Salary:€39,522 to €44,350 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).  

Start date: Position is available from 01st March 2023 

Continuing Professional Development/Training: 

The University of 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.universityofgalway.ie/rdc  for further information.’ 

Further information on research and working at University of Galway is available on Research at University of Galway  

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie   

Further information on the School of Biological and Chemical sciencesis available atSchool of Biological and Chemical Sciences .  

Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr.Alma Siggins[email protected]  

NB: Gárda vetting is a requirement for this post (as appropriate to Child Protection Policy) 

To Apply: 

Applications to include a covering letter, CV,and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Dr.Alma Siggins[email protected]  

Please put reference number University of Galway 303-22 in subject line of e-mail application. 

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm3rdJanuary 2023 

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

TheUniversityof Galway is an equalopportunitiesemployer. 

Allpositionsarerecruited in line withOpen, Transparent, Merit (OTM) andCompetencybasedrecruitment