Researcher On-chip Immunoassay Development

AOR-30 –Researcher On-chip Immunoassay Development

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

Tyndall is leading the Smart Sensor Systems hardware development. As one of Europe’s leading ICT institutes, with over 600 people and a capital infrastructure in excess of €250m, Tyndall is now focusing its research in microelectronics and front end sensor development into “making smart things for the Internet of Farm”.

Applications are invited for a Post-Doctoral research position within the Nanotechnology Group at the Tyndall National Institute – University College Cork. The position is initially for two years with potential for extension pending further funding. We have recently developed new integrated electrochemical nanosensors employing nanowires as sensing elements on-chip and have demonstrated significantly enhanced sensitivity, when compared to the state of the art, for a range of important molecules including: chemical analytes (e.g., pesticides) and biochemicals analytes (e.g., glucose, dopamine). These new sensors have been sufficiently developed to allow electrochemical-based label-free detection of binding events including antibody-antigen. Recently we have shown label-free immunoassays at single nanobands and demonstrated real-time detection (time to detection: 15 minutes) of viruses and antibodies in serum.

Key Responsibilities

The candidate will develop new approaches for bio-chemical modification of sensors, based on organic/inorganic materials, to confer selectivity for detection of biomarkers in various environmental samples. Using an iterative approach, nanoelectrodes will be chemically modified, characterised and optimised for the multiplexed detection of target species. The work will involve the development of state-of-the-art research methods that involve nanosensor development and fabrication (in collaboration with the nano-fabrication facility at Tyndall) bio-chemical modification of gold or platinum nanoelectrodes using covalent chemical approaches, test, characterisation, evaluation, integration with electronic circuitry (in collaboration with the microelectronic circuit centre of Ireland at Tyndall) field deployment and validation.

Key Duties and Responsibilities include:

To take responsibility for the specification and development of research projects.
To be a thought leader and proactively generate research initiatives and ideas.
Independently manage potential work with industry partners on specific smart chemical sensor projects and to coordinate technical and programmatic research activities for collaborative industrial projects.
To independently manage, when necessary, the quality assurance and methods definition for project development and delivery.
To assist in managing certain nanosensor laboratory activities when appropriate.
Conduct specified programmes of research as required by the MNS centre.
To engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the research group, such as outreach activities.
To interact closely with postgraduate research students who are studying for a Masters or a PhD and possibly have an agreed role in supporting these students in their day to day research in conjunction including, when appropriate, acting as primary academic supervisor.
To carry out administrative work to support the programme of research as necessary.
To initiate, enforce and comply with UCC and Tyndall’s health and safety and quality policies.
To carry out any additional duties as may be reasonably required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential criteria

A PhD qualification in Science, engineering or a related discipline.
Typically 2 years of post-doctoral research experience in immuno assay development on electrochemical sensors demonstrated by a proven track record of publications in leading journals and at major conferences.
In-depth knowledge and track-record of achievement in sensor modification and bio-assay development.
Working knowledge of field deployment and validation techniques.
Previous experience of working in a research project team.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable criteria

Experience of using SPR techniques.
Experience of writing grant proposals.
Some experience of working collaboratively with industry.
Highly self-motivated and able to demonstrate initiative.
A commitment to personal growth and development.
A background or experience in the agricultural sector.

The post is available for a period of 24 months initially and is potentially extendable beyond this time frame subject to successful funding applications.

Appointment may be made on the IUA Scale for Post-Doctoral Researchers €39,130-€46,442pa. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr. Alan O’Riordan at alan.oriordan@tyndall.ie

Application Instructions

Step 1 - Please click here to download the Application form and indicate the Job Reference AOR-30

Step 2 - return the completed application form, together with your cv and motivation letter to careers@tyndall.ie.

Handwritten forms will not be accepted.

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.

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.