Vacancies

POST TITLE: Research Assistant - Robotics, Sensors and Miniaturization
DEPARTMENT/FACULTY: Schools of Biochemistry & Immunology and Medicine, Trinity College Dublin
CLOSING DATE: Until position is filled
REPORTS TO: Martin Caffrey, Professor of Membrane Structural and Functional Biology
CONTRACT TYPE: Specified Purpose contract: Grant ends in May, 2011
SALARY SCALE: € 24,952 - € 40,449

QUALIFICATIONS

  Required

• A B.Sc. or M.Sc. or equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering and/or physical/life science 
• 1 - 2 years experience in instrument development/testing and computer interfacing
• High self-motivation and detail oriented with a keen interest in applying engineering principles to the basic sciences  
• Experience in troubleshooting and interfacing components and computers
• Desire to learn and to work on a variety of bio-techniques
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results on time and on target
• Good analytical ability, and reasoning and organisation skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Evidence of working as part of a team and commitment to team work

  Desired

• Experience in automation, integration and LIMS
• Experience in writing software drivers in .NET or C# platforms for integrating third party components into the system
• Knowledge of SQL, database packages, and LabView
• Knowledge of image processing tools for use in robot performance evaluation
• Experience of basic machining and electronics, and AutoCAD
• Knowledge of basic chemistry and/or biochemistry laboratory procedures

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB
An exciting opportunity exists for a top Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team to characterise and improve the performance of existing crystallization and imaging robots, and to extend their applicability into new research areas such as microarrays and sensors.  The project will involve maintaining existing robots, providing robotics support to ongoing projects, and development of novel sensors, crystal imaging, harvesting and manipulation robots.  Miniaturization is a constant goal given that the biomaterials used are expensive and in short supply.

For the highly motivated individual, it is possible to pursue part-time, an advanced degree on a research topic relevant to the position advertised.

DESCRIPTION
The Membrane Structural and Functional Biology (MSFB) Group has a strategic commitment to the area of structural biology with a particular emphasis on cellular membranes and on structure determination by crystallographic and spectroscopic means.

Several groups at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) share an interest in membrane structural and functional biology.  As a result, efforts are underway to establish a Centre for Membrane Structural and Functional Biology.

The Centre will support world-class research and resources and will enhance the Irish economy in a sustainable way by contributing to the knowledge base in membrane biology, drug discovery and sensor development.

The MSFB Group has two core themes, proteins and lipids.  The protein core is concerned with structure-function studies of systems that reflect the interests of the individual investigators within the group.  On the lipid side, the emphasis is on de novo organic synthesis, purification and characterization of lipids and related amphiphiles for use in crystallization and reconstitution/functional studies of membrane proteins.  An Engineering research assistant position is available immediately in the area of robotics, sensors and miniaturization to support this research activity with the ultimate goal of rational drug design. 

Group projects are funded by Science Foundation Ireland and the USA National Institutes of Health.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Candidates are asked to submit their application electronically.
A letter detailing your education and training, together with your experience in engineering must be included.  Within your letter please outline why you feel you are suitable for this position.  The letter of application must be accompanied by a full CV to include the names and contact details of three referees (email addresses to be provided) and two at least being from people you have worked with, and who have agreed to provide letters of reference on your behalf to:

Ms. Joanne Smith
Recruitment Executive
Staff Office
Trinity College
Dublin 2

Tel: +353 1 896 1749

For applications via email: joanne.smith@tcd.ie

WE WELCOME APPLICATION BY EMAIL

TRINITY COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER