Research Assistant Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term Are you interested in a unique opportunity to join the multidisciplinary Biophotonics@Tyndall team and perform cutting-edge biomedical research?
Biophotonics@Tyndall invites applications for a research assistant role to support research activities within the team! The collaborative Biophotonics@Tyndall research programme, led by Professor Stefan Andersson-Engels, focuses on close collaborations with clinicians, research centres, and companies to accelerate biophotonics technology and rapidly deliver breakthrough technologies into the hands of health-care providers. Using photonics as a driver for the faster development and deployment of more accurate, less invasive diagnostic and treatment methods for cancer and other diseases.
Currently, we are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join our dynamic team working on an innovative project focused on non-invasive methods for detecting and diagnosing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) utilizing optical spectroscopy (e.g., Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging). Diagnosing and assessing IBD requires invasive procedures such as endoscopy and intestinal biopsies. However, reliable and accurate non-invasive tools for assessing and monitoring inflammation in IBD patients are in an exciting phase of early development. Raman spectroscopy (RS), which provides molecular vibrational spectra, can characterize human biofluids and intestinal samples, offering the potential for non-invasive molecular assessment, characterization, and monitoring in IBD. This study aims to explore the potential of RS applied to saliva, blood, and intestinal biopsies from IBD patients for molecular characterization and the development of new biomarkers enabling a reliable and accurate non-invasive diagnosis of IBD and prediction of mucosal healing. Reporting to senior researchers Dr. Rekha Gautam and Dr. Katarzyna Komolibus, the Research Assistant will be involved in conducting a clinical study, including specimen preparation and processing, optical measurements, system alignment and development, and data analysis. The successful candidate will be working closely with clinical teams at Mercy University Hospital and Cork University Hospital and a multidisciplinary technical team of students, researchers, and engineers at Tyndall National Institute.
Key Responsibilities To work under the direction of the Principal Investigator/Project Leaders.To expedite research activities, including planning, organizing, conducting, and communicating research studies within the overall scope of a research project.To coordinate and perform a variety of independent and team activities involved in the collection, analysis, documentation, and some interpretation of information/results.Liaise with technical and clinical teams to plan and execute logistics of the clinical study involving sample collection and processing.To maintain up-to-date documentation of the clinical study.To undertake tasks which may include experiments, recording results, and preparing technical reports including conclusions and recommendations.To present information on research progress and outcomes to others accountable for the research project(s).To provide direction as required to any support staff and/or research students assisting with the research project, as agreed with the Principal Investigator/Grant holder.Ideally, to contribute to the publication of findings.To collaborate with the Principal Investigator in developing plans for research projects and to discuss the interpretation of results and the preparation of manuscripts for publication.Champion education and public engagement activities.Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system and 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 Criteria A graduate qualification in a field of discipline relevant to the area of investigation i.e., BSc or MSc.Some research experience is desirable.Good report writing and presentation skills.Previous wet lab and optics lab experience and practices are desired.Desirable Criteria Good analytical skills and computer skills.An ability to work independently to a tight schedule.Capability of working effectively within a team to achieve results.Evidence of excellent organisational and communication skills.The role involves handling and processing of human biospecimens; therefore, previous proof of Hepatitis B vaccine is highly desired.High levels of initiative are encouraged.Appointment may be made on the IUA Scale for Research Assistants €31,462- €41,443 p.a. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to ****** or ****** Closing date for applications is 30th August 2024.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the 'Essential Criteria' for this role. 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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