Applications are invited from individuals interested in enrolling in a PhD research programme as part of the bifidobacterial research group located at APC Microbiome Ireland & School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Ireland, and supported by and in collaboration with Danone Research & Innovation, Utrecht, The Netherlands. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for this PhD vacancy. The ideal candidate should be recently graduated (ideally H1 or equivalent) BSc and MSc students in Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics or a cognate area, willing to further develop molecular microbiological, ‘omics’ and bioinformatic skills. Ideally, candidates should possess hands-on experience in molecular (micro)biological and/or bioinformatic skills. The anticipated research of the PhD student will investigate the molecular mechanism underpinning stress response, survival and viability, as relevant to selected human-associated bifidobacteria. A list of publications from the bifidobacterial research group is available here:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?authuser=1&user=StI8gy0AAAAJ

Key duties, responsibilities and abilities (other than those already mentioned above)

• Excellent communication, organisation, interpersonal skills and the ability to work within a team
• The dissemination of results at conferences and through scientific articles.
• Attendance at postgraduate training courses.
• Regular reporting of research data.
• Occasional laboratory supervision of Bachelor or Master students.

Required qualifications

• A recent postgraduate degree (BSc, MSc) in (molecular) genetics, bioinformatics, (molecular) microbiology, computational biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology or a related discipline (ideally H1 or equivalent).
• Understanding of and/or practical experience in biological systems and bacterial genomics;
• Experience in cultivation and molecular biology of anaerobic bacteria is desirable.
• Experience in bacterial gene cloning/mutation, protein expression, flow cytometry, anaerobic cultivation is desirable.
• Previous experience in working with next generation sequencing data would be an advantage
• Ideally: Programming skills (Bash/Perl/Python; can be basic) or general interest in bioinformatics.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must provide an English proficiency certificate. Please check the minimum requirements at: https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/.

Funding Details and Further information

This full-time PhD position is funded for 4 years including a stipend of €25,000 per annum. The studentship will also cover fees at the rate for EU students. Enrolment in PhD degree programme is subjected to academic approval. Informal enquiries about the PhD positions can be made by email to Prof. Van Sinderen (d.vansinderen@ucc.ie) or Prof. Jan Knol (Jan.Knol@danone.com).