Research Assistant

Lough Neagh is becoming increasingly affected by harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused primarily by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). The AquaPhage team have recently been selected by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to progress to Phase 2 of the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) aimed at tackling the growth of Blue-Green Algae in Lough Neagh and other affected waterbodies.

We invite applications for a Research Assistant to assist the AquaPhage research team with the collection and processing of freshwater samples for metagenomic analysis, isolation and propagation of cyanobacteria and their bacteriophages, and testing for cyanotoxins.

This is an interdisciplinary research project that would require good theoretical and practical knowledge of microbiology (including phage biology). Good understanding of freshwater ecology and previous experience with DNA isolation, ELISA, PCR/qPCR, and/or HPLC analyses would be beneficial. The post holder will be based in the School of Pharmacy and/or the School of Biological Sciences and will work under the supervision of Dr Timofey Skvortsov (School of Pharmacy) as well as other members of the AquaPhage team as necessary.

This is a unique opportunity to advance our understanding of cyanobacterial blooms and positively contribute to the Lough Neagh remediation efforts.

About the person:

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• A degree or equivalent in microbiology, aquatic biology, ecology, or a relevant subject.
• Experience with microbiological techniques.
• Clearly demonstrable experience of robust data and resource management and accurate record keeping. Good sample and data management skills are crucial for this post.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

This is a fixed term post available for 16 months or until 31 March 2027, 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.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website.

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website.

If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.

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