▷ Urgent Research Assistant

Offer Description

We are currently recruiting a Research Assistant - Technical to work on an industry-sponsored project. The primary purpose of this project is to isolate food-grade bacteria with antimicrobial activity against specific spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. The study will explore antimicrobial peptides as viable alternatives to current food preservation methods, with the goal of isolating and characterizing organisms that can improve food quality, flavour, shelf-life, and safety. This work is carried out within the highly experienced team at APC Microbiome Ireland, known for the discovery of several key bacteriocins including Lacticin 3147, Bactifensin, and Nisin J. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to all aspects of the laboratory work building towards successfully meeting the goals and objectives of the project. 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.

Role:

- To discover and test novel antimicrobials – specifically bacteriocins
- To purify and fully characterize new bacteriocins
- To optimise and scale up bacteriocin production by producer strains for food applications
- To explore commercial opportunities in the food sector for bacteriocins

Project Title: Food Industry Project in Bacteriocin Discovery and Application

Post Duration: 12 Months, Full-Time Post

Research Field: Biological sciences » Nutritional sciences

Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The key duties and responsibilities include:

- To work under the direction of the Principal Investigator/Project Leader.
- To perform a variety of technical duties involved in supporting the research project(s) or programme.
- To work with the Principal Investigator to review work assignments and to develop plans to support the research/area.
- To maintain lab books and lab reports.
- Collection of data, research and record maintenance.
- To make minor modifications to existing laboratory procedures and techniques to meet the needs of the particular equipment as required.
- To order and maintain lab equipment and to provide the general essential laboratory services of the unit, i.e. these include but are not limited to the cleaning and maintenance of glass ware, research equipment and laboratory space as directed by the Principal Investigator of his/her nominee.
- To determine and set up instruments, material and apparatus and operate laboratory equipment required for specific tests relevant to the research project(s) or programme, as required.
- To prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents and solutions relevant to the research projects, as required.
- To maintain a sufficient inventory of materials, supplies and equipment.
- To ensure Health and Safety in the lab.
- To perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
- To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Laboratory & Technical Skills:

- Routine laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, media making, growth assays, and protein purification.
- Demonstrated ability to perform microbial cultivation, including anaerobic techniques.
- To ensure curation of samples in a catalogued bio-storage facility.

Required Knowledge:

- Knowledge of prebiotic, probiotic, and lactic acid bacteria.
- Knowledge of bacterial whole-genome sequencing and analysis.
- Previous experience with antimicrobials or bacteriocin research.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Specific Requirements

- A graduate qualification in a field of discipline relevant to the area of investigation i.e. BSc or MSc.
- Undergraduate experience in laboratory practices and in conducting laboratory experiments.
- Demonstrated ability to use standard lab equipment and techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to work well within a team.
- Demonstrated commitment to research.
- Ability to maintain records and excellent computer skills
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including a proven ability to work to deadlines.
- The successful candidate will be required to contribute to the APC’s Public Engagement programme, by being involved in science related dissemination activities for the public and schools.
- MSc in Microbial Technology or equivalent field.
- Extensive experience in bacteriocin purification and antimicrobial activity analysis.
- Strong background in fermentation models that mimic the gut environment and analysis of associated metabolites.

Languages: ENGLISH

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