Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed term position as a postdoctoral researcher in marine biomaterials with School of Natural Sciences/Ryan Institute at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and the Marine Institute and is available from November 2013 to contract end date of December 2014, with a possibility of extension.

Job Description:
The successful candidate will work on the proteins that enable barnacles to stick underwater. The project involves isolating candidate adhesive genes in stalked barnacle Lepas anatifera using a transcriptome experiment to narrow-down candidate adhesive genes and also using adhesive peptides previously isolated from Mass Spectroscopy. Candidate adhesion genes identified using these steps will be subjected to confirmation studies. Basic bioinformatic analyses will be carried out to examine homology of adhesive domains across species and work out which molecular tricks are conserved to enable adhesion. The ultimate aim is to use adhesive genes to clone quantities of protein for application and testing on surfaces (e.g. titanium, gold or bone). Future grant submissions will be strengthened by the transcriptome and it is hoped to develop further funding applications in collaboration with the candidate.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have a track record in a research and development environment and strong biotechnology experience is essential. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in molecular biology. The ideal candidate would have experience in research involving genome or transcriptome databases. Laboratory skills including working with RNA, cDNA library creation and qPCR are essential. Experience of cloning in yeast and E. coli and with in situ probe development and marine animal culture are desirable. Candidates should have excellent communication and organizational skills; be highly motivated and passionate about developing new products; and have strong documentation, oral and interpersonal skills.

Salary range: