PhD Researcher in Electrochemical Sensor Development for Monitoring of Microbiological Water QualityContract: Full Time/Fixed Term
As one of Europe's leading ICT institutes, with over 600 people and a capital infrastructure in excess of €250m, Tyndall is now focusing its research in front end precision electrochemical sensor development. We recently won and are coordinating a new EU funded project "UNIVERSWATER: Universal interoperative sustainable agri-water management platform". The main aim of this project is to develop a real-time, multiplexed, end-to-end, tailored and reliable sensor platform to monitor quality and optimise use of water used for irrigation.
As part of this EU-funded project, applications are invited for a PhD research position within the Precision Electrochemical Nanosensor Group at the Tyndall National Institute – University College Cork. The position is initially for three years with potential for extension pending further funding. Heretofore we have developed new integrated electrochemical nanosensors employing microstructures as on-chip sensing elements and have demonstrated significantly enhanced sensitivity, when compared to the state-of-the-art sensors, for a range of important molecules including: chemical analytes (e.g., pesticides, ions, etc) and biochemical analytes (e.g., DNA, viruses, glucose). The application of Bi-potentiometric on-chip sensing employing generator collector and localised pH control techniques has resulted in high impact publications with 26 of our last 50 publications being in the top 10% of journals in their field.
Purpose of the RoleThe candidate will co-develop new approaches for electrochemical, DNA based detection of microorganisms based on cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry or other appropriate techniques. The candidate will also contribute to the development of DNA amplification-based assays and contribute to the testing, characterisation, evaluation, integration of these sensors with electronic circuitry for field deployment and validation.
Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, fabricate and test new electrochemical sensors for sensitive detection of target DNA sequencesDevelop DNA amplification-based methods based on e.g. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) or Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) assaysIntegrate the developed sensors into a dedicated sensing systemLiaise with research partners at a technical levelManage communication with relevant partiesValidate reliability and performance under laboratory conditionsWork efficiently with other team members in the testing developmentCarry out administrative work to support the program of research and ensure all project deliverables and milestones are achieved in a timely mannerParticipate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards.Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.Essential CriteriaBSc or Master's degree in chemistry/microbiology/materials science/physics or equivalentGood knowledge of sensor development and deploymentStrong relationship management skills and ability to work in a wider teamAbility to critically evaluate the obtained results and present to their peers.Desirable CriteriaA Master's degree in developing electrochemical methods or microbiology would be highly desirable.Knowledge of electrochemistry techniquesThe successful student will receive training in all research methods required and will work alongside experienced professional researchers within the Precision Electrochemical Nanosensor Group, attend conferences and publish in high impact journals. The research is supported by a suite of equipment and laboratory facilities within the group that are amongst the best in Europe.
The annual stipend is €22,000 pa. In addition, yearly University academic fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr. Pierre Lovera. Closing date for application is 30th November 2024 before noon.
Application InstructionsPostgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduates). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application.
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process. The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process. 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. At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies. Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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