RESEARCH ASSISTANT – Vivaldi H2020 Contract

SNS / NCBES, College of Science

NUI Galway

Ref. No. NUIG-174-17

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed term position as a Research Assistant with the Molecular Diagnostics Research Group,(School of Natural Sciences and NCBES) at the National University of Ireland, Galway. This position is funded by (the EU Horizon 2020 programme)and is available from February 1st 2018 to the contract end date of January 31st 2019.

Summary of the Molecular Diagnostics Research Group and the Vivaldi project

The Molecular Diagnostics Research Group (MDRG) at NUI Galway, led by Professor Terry Smith, has 30 years’ experience and an international track record of achievement in the development and application of molecular diagnostics tests for infectious disease. The MDRG ( has developed a suite of platform technologies, based on proprietary nucleic acid sequence targets, for the detection and identification of bacteria and fungi. The MDRG has worked successfully with a number of commercial partners to develop molecular diagnostic products for infectious diseases based on these platform technologies.

VIVALDI (Preventing and Mitigating Farmed Bivalve Diseases) is a European scientific project, financed in the framework of the EU Research and Development programme called Horizon 2020. It is carried out by a consortium of 21 partners, from 10 countries. VIVALDI’s overarching purpose is to increase the sustainability and competitiveness of the European shellfish industry. For this, it will aim at improving the understanding of the diseases and developing practical solutions to prevent, control and manage them. The main species to be studied will be: oysters, mussels, clams and scallops. For more information see

The Molecular Diagnostics Research Group’s contribution to the Vivaldi project involves a close collaboration between the Molecular Diagnostics Research Group,NUI Galway and the Shellfish Health Group at the Marine Institute, led by Deborah Cheslett, and the focus of the work to be carried out by the MDRG relates to infectious diseases of most significance to the Irish shellfish aquaculture industry, namely OsHV-1µVar and Vibrio aestuarianus impacting Pacific oysters (C. gigas).

Duties:

  • Assist the NUI Galway Vivaldi PI and project management team with implementing the Vivaldi project programme
  • Perform the research and technical tasks of the Vivaldi project
  • Be responsible for ensuring that research programme timelines are adhered to and project deliverables and milestones are achieved
  • Interact on a day to day basis with NUI Galway and MI research team members and Vivaldi project management team
  • Interact as required with other researchers and partners involved in and supporting the Vivaldi project
  • Provide training to other researchers as required
  • Ensure that research programme requirements in terms of documentation of the project activities, milestones etc. are implemented and adhered to
  • Maintain laboratory notebooks, research records and generate technical reports and data as required by the Vivaldi project management team
  • Ensuring that project work is performed in line with Health and Safety and other relevant NUI Galway and MI policies
  • Maintain confidentiality of all background IP, foreground IP, and research results emerging from the project
  • Assist in the identification of and patent protection of intellectual property generated in the work-programme
  • Preparation and delivery of periodic reports for the project management team and the Vivaldi H2020 project coordinator, consortium leadership and the European Commission
  • Presentation of the technical project data internally and to the Vivaldi coordinator and consortium members as required
  • Participate in research conferences and other scientific meetings as required

The principal tasks involved in the project relate to:

  • The identification of novel OsHV-1 encoded latency associated transcripts, particularly viral microRNAs (miRNAs), and other small RNAs, and to evaluate their diagnostic value during OsHV-1 latency
  • The development of novel biodiagnostics tests for the detection of OsHV-1 infection in farmed oysters based on newly identified miRNA biomarkers.
  • Collection of bivalve and environmental samples from oyster aquaculture site(s) for analysis

Qualifications/Skills required:

Essential Requirements:

The successful candidate will have the following essential qualifications and experience:

  • BSc. degree in a relevant area of science
  • A minimum of 2 years practical laboratory experience in the area of molecular biology
  • Practical experience in the collection and analysis of bivalve and environmental samples from oyster aquaculture sites
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a research team
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • High level of computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet/Email) including database software.
  • Good initiative, flexibility and organisational skills
  • Technical troubleshooting skills
  • The ability to be well organised and work to deadlines identifying priorities and managing time effectively.
  • A full clean Driving License

Desirable Requirements:

  • Post-graduate qualification in a relevant area of science including molecular biology
  • Familiarity with real time and conventional PCR techniques
  • Practical experience of molecular biology techniques, specifically DNA/RNA manipulation techniques such as purification, cloning and ligation
  • Understanding of microbiological techniques used in the isolation and identification of bacterial and viral pathogens
  • Knowledge and practical experience of next-generation sequencing technologies,
  • Experience in bioinformatics software applications and analysis
  • Experience using Linux terminal interface
  • Publication and technical report writing and presentation skills
  • Experience in training and laboratory-based supervision of students and/or other researchers
  • Knowledge of shellfish diseases
  • Working knowledge of the Irish Aquaculture Industry

Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post

Salary: €31,200per annum

Start date: Position is available from February 1st 2018

Continuing Professional Development/Training:

Researchers at NUI Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans.

Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway

For information on moving to Ireland please see

Further information about the NCBES is available at

Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Professor Terry Smith at

To Apply:

Applications to include a covering letter, CV,and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) toProfessor Terry Smith at

Please put reference number NUIG-174-17 in subject line of e-mail application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm December 15th 2017

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment

National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.