Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom
Location:Belfast, NORTHERN IRELAND
Deadline:18 Mar 2024
The School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast, is currently seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate to the post of Research Fellow.
A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available for conducting applied research and development of a novel medicinal product targeting acne vulgaris: a bacteriophage–loaded microneedle patch. The feasibility of this concept was initially demonstrated by Prof Ryan Donnelly’s team in 2012, and subsequent research has led to the development of a prototype patch containing dissolving microneedles that release bactericidal phage particles upon dissolution. Recent studies have shown the effectiveness of these dissolving microneedles against acne-associated bacteria in vitro. The project aims to further develop and optimize this prototype product for successful translation.
This interdisciplinary project requires expertise in microbiology (including phage biology), molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Experience with microneedle fabrication, antibacterial activity assays, and anaerobic microorganisms would be advantageous.
The post holder will be located in the School of Pharmacy and will work under the supervision of Dr. Timofey Skvortsov and Prof. Ryan Donnelly.
Applications are sought from motivated individuals with a strong commitment to applied biomedical research. The ideal candidate will possess a solid background in molecular microbiology/biotechnology and seek an ambitious research project within a well-supported environment.
The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following criteria:
- Hold or be about to obtain* a PhD (or equivalent) in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, materials science, genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a closely related discipline. (* must be obtained within 6 months of commencement of employment)
- Significant research experience to include microbiological techniques, bacteriophage isolation and handling, bacterial/bacteriophage genomic DNA isolation, sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis.
- Demonstrable experience of robust data and resource management and accurate record keeping.
Please note the above is not an exhaustive list. For further information about the role including the essential and desirable criteria click on the ‘Candidate Information’ link below.
This post is available on a fixed term contract for 12 months, or available until 31 March 2025, whichever is sooner. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.
At Queen’s University, the emphasis is placed on the individuals who contribute to its mission. As a staff member, you’ll join a dynamic organizational culture that prioritizes your personal and professional growth. You’ll have ample opportunities to reach your fullest potential and advance your career, thanks to an ongoing commitment to learning and development.
They offer an excellent employment package that includes:
- Great terms & conditions
- Pension schemes
- Flexible working by enabling you to design your working week in collaboration with your manager through a blend of remote and office working
- Family-friendly initiatives
- Career development opportunities
- Support for health & mental wellbeing
- Generous holiday entitlement of 8.4 weeks a year (made up of 23 days annual leave, 10 closure days and 9 bank holidays)
Queen’s University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We have created an inclusive culture by establishing staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.
We also subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI in addition to Athena Swan. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion please visit: www.qub.ac.uk/diversity ; www.qub.ac.uk/qgi and www.qub.ac.uk/sites/StaffGateway/StaffNetworks/
Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Stephen Kelly at [email protected]
Candidate Information
About the School
Attractive Reward Package
Further Information for International Applicants
