Research Fellow (Metagenomics), School of Biological Sciences

JOB PURPOSE:

Primarily, to conduct research in the areas of microbial ecology and molecular biology relating to the study of microbial metagenomics
research. The individual will be an active member of the research team also assisting in the development of research proposals and
the planning and delivery of the research activity within the Institute for Global Food Security/School of Biological Sciences. The post
holder will also be responsible for the development and testing of new bioinformatic strategies for novel protein and peptide discovery.

MAJOR DUTIES:
1. Develop and plan personal research to isolate, clone and express recombinant proteins/peptides and provide molecular biology
expertise to R&D programmes and partner business requirements as agreed. This will also involve some duties in research
supervision of students at UG/PG level.
2. Present regular progress reports on research to members of the research group or to external audiences to disseminate and
publicise research findings.
3. Work in a multi-disciplinary team.
4. Prepare and present research updates and reports quarterly to industrial partners.
5. Perform bioinformatics analysis linked to metagenome analysis and genome assembly tasks as required by the project.
6. Identify, from metagenomic data, candidate peptides and proteins, direct their synthesis (either in directly or via sub contracting)
or cloning/expression and screen against relevant microorganisms as agreed with industry partners.
7. Clone and express recombinant proteins and provide molecular biology expertise support to R&D programmes and business
requirements as agreed with their Manager.
8. Perfom research aimed at developing novel peptides and enzymes using molecular biology and as agreed with their Manager.
9. Carry out DNA isolation, purification and manipulation for use in recombinant strain development.
10. Ensure that experiments / analysis are performed in accordance with agreed methods in conjunction with their Manager.
11. Retain an up to date knowledge of laboratory techniques/equipment and relevant scientific literature.
12. Ensure that tasks and procedures are carried out in the specified manner.
13. Ensure that activities are scheduled to provide an accurate and timely service to support R&D project requirements.
14. Keep their manager informed on a regular basis of progress and any circumstances, which alter, agreed timescales.
15. Ensure that all biological laboratory equipment remains in calibration and functions as required. Where this is not the case
inform the appropriate persons for them to action.
16. Carry out routine administrative tasks associated with the research project/s to ensure that project/s are completed on time and
within budget. These might include organisation of project meetings and documentation, financial control, risk assessment of research activities.
17. Prepare, often in consultation with supervisor, material for publication in national and international journals and presentations at international conferences.
18. Other duties as may be deemed appropriate by their Manager and that fall within the general remit of the post.

Planning and Organising:

1. Prioritise and reprioritisation of research/experiments in order to meet deadlines and targets.
2. Organise informal meetings communicate directly with other lab members or with team leader.
3. Plan for specific aspects of research programmes. Timescales range from 1-6 months in advance and contribute to research
group planning.
4. Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress.

Resource Management Responsibilities:

1. Support the development and training of support staff and students by making available their research experience and expertise.

Internal and External Relationships:

1. Liaise with research colleagues and support staff on routine matters.
2. Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.
3. Attend and contribute to relevant meetings.
4. Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

1. An Honours degree in Molecular Biology or a closely related area. These could include Microbiology, Biochemistry or Biological
Sciences, but a significant component of Molecular Biology study must be demonstrated throughout the degree.
2. Have or be about to obtain a PhD in molecular biology/protein expression and manipulation/environmental
microbiology/bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline.
3. At least three years’ relevant research experience in molecular biology related to: (i) environmental microbiology OR microbial
ecology (laboratory based experience) AND (ii) application of bioinformatics to microbiology academic research using Linux or
similar OS (computation based experience). Candidates demonstrating three years experience encompassing both these
subject areas will be considered.
4. Must display clarity of thinking and ability to address a variety of research topics.
5. Organised and attentive to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
6. Excellent communication skills.
7. Willingness to prepare scientific papers for peer reviewed journal publication.
8. Must demonstrate good team working skills.
9. Must demonstrate a true commitment to and interest in research.
10. Demonstrable intellectual ability.
11. Ability to assess and organise resources.
12. Must be willing to work irregular hours when necessary for the progress of the research project.
13. Must be willing to work closely with industrial partners as required.
14. Must be willing and able to travel to national and international meetings.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

1. Appropriate PhD (awarded) in molecular biology/protein expression and manipulation/environmental
microbiology/bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline.
2. At least two years’ total laboratory experience in molecular biology related to: (i) new protein discovery, OR (ii) prokaryote
molecular microbiology, OR (iii) metagenome analysis as part of an academic microbial ecology research project.
3. At least two years’ post-graduate experience in one or more of the following research areas:
(i) Prokaryote molecular microbiology.
(ii) Protein engineering.
(iii) High-throughput assay development.
(iv) Application of bioinformatics software to enzyme development/analysis.
(v) Bioinformatics related to metagenome analysis (using Linux OS or similar).
(vi) Bioinformatics related to genome assembly.
(vii) New software development for bioinformatics analysis of functional genes in microbes.
(viii) Other aspects of metagenomics, especially relating to microbial ecology.
4. Evidence of project completion.
5. Ability to prioritise research/experiments in order to meet deadlines and targets.
6. Evidence of peer review publication – with an emphasis on publication as first/corresponding author.
7. Good communication/verbal skills with an ability to clearly explain experimental results to a non-subject specialist audience.
8. Evidence of presentation at national or international conferences (poster and/or oral).
9. Evidence of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The successful applicant will be expected to work at Queen’s University Belfast as part of the Institute for Global Food Security & will be a staff member in the School of Biological Sciences.