Postdoctoral Researcher in Membrane Biophysics : Dublin , Ireland

Research Centre : School of Chemical Sciences / National Centre for Sensor Research (NCSR)
Post title : Postdoctoral Researcher in Membrane Biophysics
Level on Framework : Level 1
Post duration : Fixed Term Contract – 1 year

Research Career Framework

As part of this role the researcher will be required to participate in the DCU Research Career Framework. This framework is designed to provide significant professional development opportunities to Researchers and offer the best opportunities in terms of a wider career path.

Overview
The National Centre for Sensor Research (NCSR) is is a large, multidisciplinary research unit based in state-of-the-art facilities situated on the campus of Dublin City University. Arising from success in recent proposals we are now seeking application for the following research position in DCU.

Background and Role
We are seeking an experienced scientist with a background in model membrane biophysics to work as part of a multidisciplinary team on an ambitious project. The project will focus on the development of novel cell membrane models for drug discovery applications.

The role is focussed on developing microporous lipid bilayer array platforms and forms part of a project funded through Science Foundation Ireland’s Investigator Programme. This programme is aimed at using these platforms for drug discovery and for elucidating lipid–drug and membrane-protein-drug interactions.

The duration of this role will be 1 year, with potential to be extended for an additional 2 years subject to role approval, project requirements and funding availability.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Reporting to his/her Principal Investigator the Postdoctoral Researcher will:
• Conduct, with a very high degree of technical competence a specified programme of research and scholarship under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator
• Disseminate the outcomes of the research in which he/she is engaged including publishing in high quality peer reviewed journals of international standing.
• Support the PI and research group in the design and development and implementation of the broader research programme.
• Support if required, the development of proposals for research funding.
• Take responsibility as requested for day-to-day advice and support of graduate research students associated with your research group.
• Mentor, assist and train as appropriate and as directed, the research graduate students and more junior postdoctoral fellows within the group.
• Contribute to reporting, site visit preparation and other administrative management work associated with your programme of research and the research group.
• Contribute to teaching and outreach activities of the group.
• Liaise with stakeholders such as industry and collaborators.
• Engage in appropriate training and development opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator, the School or Research Centre, or the University
• Carry out administrative work associated with the programme of research as necessary

Minimum Criteria
The candidate must have a PhD in biophysics and experience in preparation and analysis of lipid membrane models, such as supported lipid membranes, GUVs and proteoliposomes.

The candidate should have at least 3 years experience in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Experience in both the design and implementation of experimental EIS on lipid bilayers and the implementation of EIS data analysis and Equivalent Circuit Modelling is essential. Experience in using fluorescence microscopy methods such as FCS and FLIM in assessing membrane dynamics is also highly desirable.

The candidate should be capable of working independently with a high degree of technical competence whilst also being a team player, he/she must demonstrate initiative, be hard working, versatile and productive. S/he should have strong communication and organisational skills.

Salary: €37,750 – €46,255
Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Closing date: Friday October 2nd, 2015

Candidates will be assessed on the following competencies:

Discipline knowledge and Research skills – Demonstrates knowledge of a research discipline and the ability to conduct a specific programme of research within that discipline.

Understanding the Research Environment – Demonstrates an awareness of the research environment (for example funding bodies) and the ability to contribute to grant applications.

Communicating Research – Demonstrates the ability to communicate their research with their peers and the wider research community (for example presenting at conferences and publishing research in relevant journals) and the potential to teach and tutor students

Managing & Leadership skills – Demonstrates the potential to manage a research project including the supervision of undergraduate students.