Postdoctoral Researcher in Photonics technologies : Galway, Ireland

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed term position as a photonics technology postdoctoral research scientist with the Nanoscale Biophotonics Laboratory (NBL) at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland under the Advanced Analytics for Biopharmaceutical Therapeutic Manufacture (AA-BTM) project, a 5-year investigator award to Dr. Alan G. Ryder. The position is available from the 1st of September 2015 on a four year fixed term contract, subject to probationary period and annual performance review.

Job Description:
The successful candidate will be based in the NBL located in the School of Chemistry at NUIG. Ireland and work with researchers from both University and Industry collaborators to design, build, and validate an experimental multi-dimensional fluorescence spectrometer using a UV supercontinuum source. The research will also involve making appropriate control software and prototype hardware (electronics & optics) to enable the system be used for routine analytical work. The final aspect of the post will involve undertaking a range of biophysical measurements using the system on sample systems relevant to biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The system will be used to develop a range of novel bioanalytical assays for the quantitative analysis of proteins in complex biogenic liquids. The long-term goal is to have these bioanalysis technologies to be incorporated in the next generation of analytical tools for biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Duties: 
The main duties of the post are to build a novel, prototype multi-dimensional fluorescence spectrometer, carry out novel research and to contribute to management of the NBL research team. In particular, the successful candidates will be responsible for organizing and managing project research activities to yield high quality research publications and invention disclosures. Specific duties include the following:
• Design, Build, and Validate a Supercontinuum laser based multidimensional fluorescence spectrometer in conjunction with the PI and members of the NBL research team.
• Undertake protein biophysics and other experiments to validate analytical methods and instrumentation being developed under AA-BTM. 
• Supervise relevant undergraduate and visiting student research projects from time to time as required.
• Assist in the mentoring/training of NBL PhD and visiting students in optical instrumentation and other relevant photonics technologies.
• Deliver presentations and undertake outreach activities relevant to AA-BTM as required by the PI for the successful delivery of the project. 
• Assist in the preparation of manuscripts for publication, 
• Be responsible for managing the fluorescence microscopy/advanced instrumentation laboratory of the NBL.
• Prepare project reports as required by the funder SFI.
• Undertake any other activities relevant to the AA-BTM project as directed by the PI.

Qualifications:
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Optical Engineering, Physics or an equivalent discipline. The ideal candidate must have a track record in a research and development environment with a proven, first-author, publication record. Candidates with experience working with or in industry (photonics or analytical science domains) are particularly welcome.

Candidates must have a strong background in photonics and fluorescence instrumentation, and proven experimental expertise in one or more of the following: (i) Integration of supercontinuum laser sources with fluorescence instrumentation, (ii) Protein biophysics using fluorescence based techniques, (iii) Single-molecule detection methods involving fluctuation spectroscopies, or (iv) Optical hardware design.

Specialized experience in polarization optics, MATLAB, NI instruments programming, or industrial bioanalysis, would be desirable.

Candidates must have excellent communication (in English) and organisational skills; be highly motivated and passionate about developing new instrumentation and analytical methods; and have strong documentation, oral and interpersonal skills.