Research Assistant, School of Microbiology / APC Microbiome Ireland

1 Year, Fixed-Term, Whole-time Post

Position Summary

Anaerobic Microbiologist

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join the ERC funded project SYNergize based at the School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland at University College Cork. The successful candidate will use anaerobic microbiology techniques to culture, isolate and maintain stocks of diverse bacterial species within the human intestinal microbiota. This culture collection will be used for detailed phenotypic characterisation of gut bacteria with a focus on spore-formers.

Background:

Our intestinal microbiota consists of a dense community of microorganisms, highly adapted to the human gastrointestinal tract. Endospores (spores for short) are resilient structures that maintain bacterial integrity in a dormant state for extended periods. Many bacterial species in the intestinal microbiota are capable of producing spores, which allows these extremely anaerobic bacteria to transmit between human hosts. However, despite its importance, sporulation processes in commensal gut bacteria remain poorly understood. Using anaerobic microbiology techniques, microbial genomics and metagenomics, our main research focus is to characterise commensal spore-forming gut bacteria and develop a better understanding of their intestinal ecology and evolution.

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

Relevant Publications:

1. Browne, H. P. et al. Culturing of ‘unculturable’ human microbiota reveals novel taxa and extensive sporulation. Nature 533, 543 (2016). https://doi.org:10.1038/nature17645

2. Browne, H. P. et al. Host adaptation in gut Firmicutes is associated with sporulation loss and altered transmission cycle. Genome biology 22, 204 (2021). https://doi.org:10.1186/s13059-021-02428-6

3. Browne, H. P., Neville, B. A., Forster, S. C. & Lawley, T. D. Transmission of the gut microbiota: spreading of health. Nature Reviews Microbiology 15, 531 (2017). https://doi.org:10.1038/nrmicro.2017.50

Essential Skills:

A graduate qualification in life sciences discipline.

Microbiology laboratory research experience.

Ability to communicate effectively with scientists from multiple disciplines both within the team and externally, including those from computational and clinical backgrounds.

Ability to work to a schedule and manage and prioritise multiple competing projects.

Ability to work independently and as part of a group, but to also seek assistance as necessary.

Good written and oral communication skills.

Desirable Skills:

Microbiology experience of working with strict anaerobic bacteria

Experience of working in a Containment Level 2 (CL2) Laboratory

Masters in life science discipline

Project Title: Culturing of spore-forming gut bacteria

Post Duration: 1 year

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

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

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr. Hilary Browne, Senior Lecturer, School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland; 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, 17th May 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.