Job ID: 121806

Associate Professor in Biomolecular Science – Permanent

Position: Professor

Deadline: 14 February 2025

Contract Length: Permanent

City: Limerick

Country: Ireland

Institution: University of Limerick

Department: Biological Sciences

Description:

With over 18,000 students and 2,000 members of staff, the University of Limerick (UL) is an energetic, research led and enterprising institution with a proud record in innovation and excellence in education, research and scholarship. The dynamic, entrepreneurial and pioneering values which drive UL’s mission and strategy ensure that we capitalise on local, national and international engagement and connectivity. We are renowned for providing an outstanding student experience and conducting leading-edge research. Our commitment is to make a difference by shaping the future through educating and empowering our students.

Applications are invited for the following position:

Faculty of Science & Engineering

Department of Biological Sciences

Associate Professor in Biomolecular Science – Permanent

Salary Scale: €62,069 – €99,471 p.a.

Informal enquiries regarding the post may be directed to:

Prof Sean Fair

Head

Department of Biological Sciences

University of Limerick

Email: Sean.Fair@ul.ie

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 14th February 2025.

Applications must be completed online before 12 noon, Irish Standard Time on the closing date.

JOB DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Primary degree (level 8 NFQ) in biological sciences or a closely related area.
  • Doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in molecular medicine, cell biology, bioinformatics, analytical bioscience, or closely related disciplines.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Department of Biological Sciences welcomes applications for the position of Associate Professor B in Biomolecular Science. We are looking for an academic with the capacity to build a well-funded research programme of international significance, producing high-quality research outputs that will make a tangible impact on society’s global challenges. This research programme will complement the teaching of Bioscience at the MSc and BSc levels at the University of Limerick.

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Limerick (UL) is widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading centres for biological research and education. Nestled along the scenic banks of the River Shannon, the Department had built a reputation for excellence in research, innovative teaching, and community engagement.

The Department is home to cutting-edge biomolecular, cellular and bioanalytical facilities funded through university investment and international grants. These have served as a nexus for research in areas such as cell and molecular biology, food science and health, biotechnology and equine science. The Department comprises 25 academics supported by 7 technical staff and 1 administrator. It has over 40 PhD students and 16 postdoctoral scientists across various disciplines such as cell biology, protein chemistry, cancer research, neurobiology, infection and immunity, environmental biology, reproductive biology, equine science, food science, food microbiology, and microbial ecology.

Over the last academic year alone, Department of Biological Sciences academics have secured over €6 million in competitive research funding from sources alone including Horizon Europe (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowships and Doctoral Networks), Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, Science Foundation Ireland, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Irish Research Council, Enterprise Ireland, Health Research Board, Industry and others. This has been matched by a correspondingly high level of top-decile research publications as well as book chapters, patents, invention disclosures, etc., over the same period, and indeed, the Department is home to several of the most highly cited researchers in their field.

In addition to its research activities, the Department of Biological Sciences offers undergraduate programmes in Food Science and Health, Bioscience, and Equine Science. It also significantly contributes to programmes such as BSc Biological Sciences (Education), BSc Environmental Science, BSc Industrial Biochemistry, and BSc Nursing and Midwifery. It also offers two MSc programmes: an MSc in Biomolecular Science and an MSc in Functional Foods and Product Development. It also contributes to the MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics (a joint programme with the School of Allied Health). Since 2015, the Department has proudly held a Bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of its commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion in higher education.

The Associate Professor B in Bioscience appointee will be expected to:

  • Secure external research funding, build a research programme, and conduct internationally relevant research that will align with the existing research activities of the Department of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Science & Engineering.
  • Work independently and contribute to research centres/groups, such as the Bernal Institute (http://www.bernalinstitute.com/) and the Health Research Institute (http://www.ul.ie/research/hri ), to develop and enhance the field of biomolecular science.
  • Deliver modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in bioscience, biomolecular science, cellular/molecular biology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, and related disciplines. This will involve the preparation of all necessary material and delivering lectures, practicals and tutorials face-to-face or online, as well as all grading.

Essential Criteria

  • Primary degree (level 8 NFQ) in biological sciences or a closely related area.
  • Doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in molecular medicine, cell biology, bioinformatics, analytical bioscience, or closely related disciplines.
  • Minimum of 3 years (or equivalent) relevant experience post PhD.
  • Track record of publishing in relevant peer-reviewed top-tier journals and books by prestigious publishers post PhD in one or more of the following areas:

– Generating advanced cell model systems (for example, using CRISPR, iPSC-derived 2D and 3D models, and organ-on-a-chip systems) to use molecular and omics approaches to understanding human diseases (in the areas of cancer research, neurobiology, and/or infection and immunity) .

– Using omics technologies (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) and bioinformatics-driven analyses in cell biology with knowledge of experimental validation techniques to complement bioinformatics research.

– Using computational approaches, such as data integration, machine learning, or network analysis applied to omics datasets.

  • Experience preparing research proposals to obtain competitive/prestigious funding from applied or basic external sources.
  • Ability to participate in and contribute to the overall intellectual life and administrative roles of the University, the academic discipline, and society.
  • Evidence of teaching at third-level institutions in molecular medicine, cell biology, bioinformatics, or closely related disciplines (through lectures, laboratory classes, and tutorials).
  • Proven ability to teach and mentor students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Desirable Criteria

  • Evidence of roles of responsibility directing independent research projects and an established track record in generating external research income.
  • Qualification in teaching to third-level students.
  • Evidence of academic course/module material development and delivery in a third-level setting, preferably to bioscience or biomolecular science students.
  • Successful track record in supervising Final Year Projects (i.e., BSc), MSc, and/or PhD candidates.
  • Familiarity with cloud computing or high-performance computing for large-scale omics data analysis.
  • Experience performing administrative tasks and contributing to periodic departmental and programme reviews and reports.
  • Evidence of international collaboration projects and/or publications.
  • Evidence of fostering diversity and inclusion in teaching and research.

An applicant must include:

  • A research plan (up to two pages) describing the research the candidate would undertake if offered the position at the University of Limerick.

AND

These plans should include how the applicant proposes to advance programme offerings and research activities in bioscience and biopharmaceutical science.

Qualifications: Please take note of the essential qualifications for this position as listed in the job description, if you are successful in being offered this position, the offer will be made pending the Chair of the selection committee, verifying your qualification. Therefore, after the interview you will be required to forward your transcripts to the Chair by email. No contract of employment will issue until all required documentation is received.

For more information and how to apply: https://universityvacancies.com/link_click_count?nid=32768&click_link_field=field_job_link