Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full time fixed term position as a Research Assistant (Plant Biology & Metabolism) in the Plant Systems Biology research group of Dr. Ronan Sulpice at University of Galway.
This position is funded by the European Commission and is available from April 2023 to end date of September 2026 (41 months).
Job Description:
The successful candidate will combine good knowledge of Plant Biology/Plant Metabolism with knowledge of the use of mass spectrometry related technologies. The successful candidate will assist a postdoctoral researcher to carry metabolic analyses, in particular the use of heavy isotope labelling in order to document the interactions between coffee plants and their associated soil.
Experimental approaches employed in the project will include plant growth phenotyping, mass spectrometry based analyses of metabolites, and diverse biochemistry methodologies. The successful candidate will also be expected to have a good background in bioinformatics.
This project is part of a large Horizon Europe which aims at developing a more resilient and sustainable coffee production in the context of the challenges posed by Climate change. As such the successful candidate will work together with members of a number of worldwide institutions.
In addition to the experimental aspect of the project, the successful candidate is expected to contribute to the dissemination of the results, and participate in the daily life of the laboratory, e.g. maintain stocks, help with Health and Safety reporting and daily operations of the laboratory.
Duties:
- Grow and maintain coffee plants in highly controlled environments
- Extract metabolites from soil, microbiome and plant tissues
- Perform metabolic and growth analyses
- Collaborate with the laboratory team technically and scientifically
- Write reports
- Participate in dissemination activities
- Participate in lab maintenance and possibly co-supervision of students
Qualifications/Skills required:
Essential Requirements:
- Masters in Plant biology and a good research track record that demonstrates strong capabilities and outputs.
- Track record in plant biochemistry, specifically metabolic analyses, ideally with a background on plant/microbe interactions.
- knowledge of R for data analysis and visualisation
- Organisational, writing and report drafting skills.
- Skills in biochemistry (metabolic analyses)
Desirable Requirements:
- Experience in lab maintenance
- Valid driving license
- Track record in the area of plant / microbiome interactions
Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post
Salary: Research Assistant Point 1 €28,701 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).
Start date: Position is available from 1st April 2023.
Continuing Professional Development/Training:
Researchers at University of Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. 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 –
Further information on research and working at University of Galway is available on Research at University of Galway
Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr. Ronan Sulpice ronan.sulpice@universityofgalway.ie
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. Ronan Sulpice ronan.sulpice@universityofgalway.ie
Please put reference number University of Galway 301-22 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm (Irish Time) 30th January 2023
We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.
The University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer.
All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment
Further information about the laboratory is available at https://sulpice-lab.com/