爱尔兰利莫瑞克大学招聘博士后

TITLE OF POST: Post Doctoral Researcher – Modelling Protein-Scaffold Dynamics
LOCATION: University of Limerick
REPORTS TO: Project Leader
CONTRACT TYPE: Specific Purpose
SALARY SCALE: €37,750 – €46,255 p.a.

JOB DESCRIPTION
QUALIFICATIONS:

• BSc/MSc in Chemistry, Physics or Biology.
• PhD in Chemistry, Physics or Biology, or PhD with substantial research of relevance specifically to the subject of the position.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). The objective is to use state-of-the-art modelling techniques to validate experimental findings on the adhesion and dynamics of proteins on carbohydrate-functionalised surfaces, and to identify promising candidates for protein re-engineering towards the development of growth factor protein-loaded scaffolds for tissue engineering. The candidate will have a particular responsibility for assuring the quality of the modelling work, including the use of high-performance computing, evaluation of results and collaboration with experimental partners.

DESCRIPTION:

The successful candidate will perform large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of protein-surface complexes, and develop a strong competence in the atom-scale design and engineering of bio-nano interfaces. The candidate will be involved in the every-day work of PhD students, is expected to contribute to the evaluation and interpretation of simulation results, play an important role in the preparation of scientific papers and reports, and participate in the organisation and administration of the project.

Research
• Contribute to the research programme of the Department under general guidance of a member of the academic staff or Principal Investigator/Project Leader.
• Define research objectives and proposals for own (or joint) research in line with research strategy.
• Conduct individual and/or collaborative research projects in a variety of settings (laboratory, creative performance, field, clinical setting).
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support as appropriate.
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations/commercial exploitation.
• Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity.

Research Management
• Plan, co-ordinate and implement research project (this may include managing a small research team/coordinating other researcher activity).
• Manage own personal and research resources (including where required, laboratories, and specialist equipment) appropriately.
• Manage own research budget, if any, and keep records as directed and in line with Funder/University policy as appropriate.

Income Generation/Funding
• May identify sources of funding and pursue the process of securing funds.
• May work with Principal Investigator to contribute to proposals for developmental purposes.

Research Outputs – Write Up and Dissemination
• Write up results from own research activity.
• Contribute to the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, book).
• Present information on research progress and outcomes e.g. to bodies supervising research; conferences, steering groups; other team members, as agreed with the Principal Investigator/ Project Leader.
• Where appropriate, work with Principal Investigator to register patents to protect intellectual property.

Essential Requirements

• BSc/MSc in Chemistry, Physics or Biology.
• PhD in Chemistry, Physics or Biology, or PhD with substantial research of relevance specifically to the subject of the position.

Desirable Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in performing large-scale molecular dynamics simulations using high-performance computing platforms.
• Demonstrated experience of free energy calculations to measure binding energies.
• Demonstrated experience in porting and optimisation of parallel molecular dynamics codes on high-performance computing platforms.
• Experience with some or all of Monte Carlo simulations, electronic structure calculations and hybrid QM/MM methods.
• Relevant publication record.
• Report writing and experience in the participation of collaborative research projects.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise PhD students.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Requests for further information about the post may be directed to:

Dr Damien Thompson
Dept of Physics & Energy
University of Limerick
Email: Damien.Thompson@ul.ie
Phone: +353 61 202290