Post-Doctoral Researcher

at  University College Cork

POSITION SUMMARY

Applications are invited for the position of Post-Doctoral Researcher in APC Microbiome Ireland. The dairy fermentation industry is reliant on the application of robust starter cultures of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactococcus lactis. The most prominent opponent to successful fermentations is the presence of bacterial viruses called bacteriophages, or phages. The proposed project PHARM, is an ambitious project that aims to elucidate the specific nature of the saccharidic receptors recognised by Streptocococcus thermopilus phages through a combined genetic and biochemical approach. Furthermore, it is planned to derive the 3-dimensional structure of phage-encoded carbohydrate binding proteins to define their specific role and relative importance in the initial binding steps of a phage to its streptococcal host. The generated knowledge will allow tools to be developed for the rapid classification of dairy streptococcal strains and to link these to phage sensitivity predictions. Ultimately, this will allow the starter culture industry to provide rational strain selections, rotations or blends to the dairy industry, limiting phage proliferation in the fermentation environment. In turn, this will reduce the phage problem to manageable and predictable levels, reduce the amount of food waste and down-graded products thereby increasing food quality and security.
The post-doctoral researcher would be expected to support the research activities of the Pharm project including execution of individual project goals and guidance of PhD student to ensure the timely execution of the project goals, while also contributing the communication of the research findings emanating from the research.
Qualifications and Experience Required: Candidates for the postdoctoral position should have a PhD in Molecular Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics or related fields. The expertise and relevant experience of candidates should be supported by evidence of peer-reviewed publications in reputable scientific journals.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Experience in handling human tissue samples including microtome and cryotome sectioning, tissue specimen fixing, embedding, sectioning, staining and mounting
• Knowledge of both biopsy and resected tissue orientation for FFPE/cryo block preparation and sectioning using microtome and cryotome respectively
• Ability to work in a team and carry out planned experiments including diagnostic team at the CUH Histopathology Department
• Be responsible for performance, maintenance, condition, quality control and record keeping of all instruments within assigned areas of the laboratory.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Experience in a hospital-based Histology Laboratory
• Familiarity with confocal microscopy
• Experience in Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and special staining techniques like manual immunofluorescence and routine H&E staining.
• Experience with molecular and cell biology techniques e.g. DNA/ RNA extraction, FACS is highly desirable
• Familiarity with the Leica Bond staining system or other automated stainers
  This is a unique opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge clinical and translational research in the field of immune-mediated diseases and Cancer, an important health challenge, and to make a meaningful contribution to the development of future expertise in Ireland. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with renowned experts in the field, and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and treatment options for patients with chronic inflammatory and cancer conditions.
  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: The sweet tooth of a bacterial virus: Unravelling Phage-Host Attachment and Recognition Modalities (PHARM) in the dairy bacterium Streptococcus thermophilus
  Post Duration: 8 Months
  Salary: €44,847 - €51,313 p.a. IUA PD1 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 Jennifer Mahony, School of Microbiology Tel: + 353 (0) 21 4902730; Email: j.mahony@ucc.ie
  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 recruitment@ucc.ie, quoting the job-title and project name.
  Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday 14th February 2025

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 of everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy.

Please refer the Job description for details