Research Assistant or Technician - Microbiology/Molecular Biology

A position is available for either a Research Assistant (M.Sc.) or a technician for microbiological and molecular biological work with pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella and Listeria.  The appointee will work as part of a small team at UCC that is applying high-throughput robotics to the growth, isolation of DNA, and nucleotide typing of multiple bacterial samples from historical collections.

The position will be based in the Environmental Research Institute, UCC. The appointee will be responsible for computer-based tracking of storage and molecular typing of 1000’s of bacterial strains, using SNP typing (Luminex) and sequencing. Experience in microbiological techniques with bacterial pathogens is essential, and experience with molecular techniques including DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing is desired. Vaccinations appropriate for handling clinical material will be required. This is a full-time fixed term (2 years) contract appointment.

Please send the following to Prof. Mark Achtman, Environmental Research Institute, Lee Road, University College Cork, Ireland (m.achtman@ucc.ie; 021 490 1979),

1) a letter of introduction stating why you would be suitable for the position,

2) your CV, including contact details and e-mail addresses for two people willing to provide a reference letter.

Closing date for applications is June 30^th 2008. Only those candidates considered suitable for the post will be informed by return email. Candidates considered suitable for the post will be required to attend an interview (date and location to be announced).

Location: University College Cork
Job type: Contract, full time
Salary:  €32,632 per annum (RA MSc) or €39,960 per annum (Technician)

Responsibilities and Requirements:

• Purify bacterial strains by single colony isolation, and use robotic techniques for cell growth and freezing
• Purify bacterial DNA both manually and using robotic techniques
• Store and retrieve information in computer-based databases
• Perform manual and robotic manipulations for PCR and sequencing
• Perform manual and robotic manipulations for SNP typing (Luminex)
• Evaluate sequence traces, assemble sequences with the aid of scripts (Bionumerics)
• Good computer skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work on their own initiative and as part of a team

University College Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.