Master Studentship on “Development of electrochemical sensors for early detection of selected cancer biomarkers”

SRT-03 Master Studentship on “Development of electrochemical sensors for early detection of selected cancer biomarkers”

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

The Tyndall National Institute invites applications for an MSc by Research Studentship on “Development of electrochemical sensors for early detection of selected cancer biomarkers”.

The Tyndall National Institute is a world leader in the development of electrochemical sensors and systems for use in life sciences applications. Working closely with a global range of academic, business and end-user partners, our technology is under evaluation by several multinational corporations and is approaching market readiness in a number of areas. In parallel, Tyndall has an ambitious strategy that will leverage our core strengths in Information and Communications Technologies to develop the next generation of breakthrough sensors and systems for health. There is a growing demand for integrated systems for health applications, including for early detection, diagnosis and monitoring of disease.

Development of novel immunoelectrochemical sensors creates the possibility to identify cancer biomarkers at the earliest possible stage, leading to more effective therapeutic options and better clinical outcomes. This project will produce new knowledge towards multiplexed electrochemical immunosensor platform capable of early detection of selected cancer biomarkers. This will use advanced materials and fabrication methods, leading to a new generation advanced, sensitive, selective, miniaturised and cost-effective sensor solution.

Key Responsibilities

The candidate will be required to:

Work under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) and co-supervisors
Review the state-of-the-art in electrochemical sensors technologies on an ongoing basis, and to compile review documents on these topics
Publish research in high-impact journals and write reports
Develop, characterise, validate the system reliability and performance for the sensor platform both with buffer samples and real biological fluids
Integrate sensors with relevant other aspects of the platform in order to construct prototype assemblies
Engage in training and professional development opportunities as required
Report results to the PI and co-supervisors
Participate and present research in conferences, workshops and outreach events;
Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system and required Health & Safety standards

Essential Criteria

Applicants must have a 2H1 Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. biomedical engineering, materials science, chemistry, biochemistry and analytical chemistry)
Laboratory experience and a willingness to adapt to a multidisciplinary field are essential
High levels of initiative, self-management, achievement orientation and motivation are encouraged
Excellent communication skills

Desirable Criteria

Research experience in areas such as electrochemistry, electrical/electrochemical sensing, nanomaterial fabrication, medical device design and development and biomedical engineering
Good laboratory practices
Problem-solving skills
Prior experience of scientific paper writing, conference presentation and report writing
A demonstrated capability in the delivery of research projects at undergraduate level

The position provides the opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative solutions for early detection of cancer, as well as to gain valuable experience in fabrication and testing of next-generation immunoelectrochemical sensor devices. The successful candidate will experience the excitement of working with a multidisciplinary group, and will have the opportunity to build the career profile associated with presentation at international conferences and workshops, and publication of the research in high impact journals.

This is a fulltime Postgraduate student opportunity. An annual student stipend of €19,000 for 2 years applies for this successful candidate for this position. In addition, yearly University academic fees will paid by the Tyndall National Institute.

For further information, informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Sofia Teixeira, sofia.teixeira@tyndall.ie

Application Instructions

Step 1 - Click here to download the Application form and indicate the Job Reference SRT-03

Step 2 - Return the completed Application form, together with your CV and motivation letter to careers@tyndall.ie.

Please ensure that your motivation letter, CV and application letter are submitted in pdf format.

Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application. In special circumstances the panel may consider a prior degree in English (e.g. Master thesis written in English) as evidence of English language proficiency.

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.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

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.