Postdoctoral Researcher – Diagnostic Device Development - Vacancy Number 018808

Rapid detection of pathogenic infections in aquaculture enables effective
disease management practices to be implemented. However, current
diagnostic methods are confined to laboratory use with labour and time
intensive protocols. Reliable point-of-care devices are currently lacking in the fish health sector but would enable a fast response to infectious agents and greatly improve treatment prognosis.

A Postdoctoral Researcher is required to work on the development of an
advanced oxide nanostructure integrated paper-based lateral flow assay for
the rapid diagnosis and quantification of infectious diseases in aquaculture.
Your duties will range from assay design, design to biofunctionalisation of
oxide nanostructures with detection biomolecules. You will be a part of a
multidisciplinary team (physics/ biophysics/ biology/ material science) that
consists of researchers based in ATU and DCU as well as aquaculture
industry experts based in Ireland. As a pivotal member of our team, you will
collaborate closely with key beneficiaries and stakeholders within the
aquaculture industry. By engaging with industry experts, you will gain
valuable insights into the current challenges faced by producers and the
potential benefits of rapid disease diagnosis.

With this crucial understanding, you will drive the design and optimisation of
the biological aspects of the assay. Your expertise will contribute to
addressing the pressing issue of slow pathogen detection that hampers
effective disease management in aquaculture. This is an exceptional
opportunity to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and practical
industry needs, ensuring that the developed assay aligns seamlessly with on-site disease management practices.

This project is funded under the Research Ireland National Challenge Fund.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Minimum of PhD in Molecular Biology/Biotechnology/Microbiology/
Biochemistry/Diagnostics/Biosensor development or related life
science discipline or exceptionally, equivalent * research experience
(including industrial R&D).
* EU defines PhD equivalent 4 years fulltime research after primary
degree.
• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations
or awards).
• Capable of generating new ideas and an ability to build upon new
ideas to arrive at unique solutions.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills and ability
to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction.
• High levels of motivation and a pro-active attitude to problem solving.
• Excellent organisational, administrative, and analytical skills with a
proven ability to work to deadlines.
• Proficient in IT and digital communication platforms.

Experience of some of the following skills is desirable:
• Point-of-care testing, in vitro diagnostics, and biological assay
design/development.
• Paper based biosensor development, microfluidics or lateral flow
assays.
• Biofunctionalisation of surfaces/materials with antibodies or other
biomolecules.
• Molecular biological techniques.
• Microbiological techniques including culture maintenance.
• Ability to contribute to grant and report writing.
• Research project management.

Duties:

• Conduct a specified programme of research and scholarship under
the supervision and direction of your Principal Investigator.
• Develop and optimise biofunctionalisation of oxide nanostructures.
• Develop and optimise lateral flow assays & sample preparation
protocols for infield detection of pathogens impacting the
aquaculture sector.
• Carry out wet lab-based testing and assay development.
• Assist in the daily maintenance of laboratory equipment and
biological samples.
• Collaborate with industry stakeholders to gain comprehensive
insights into the challenges and advantages of rapid disease
diagnosis within the aquaculture sector.
• Couple industry obtained insights with your expertise in biological
assay development to guide the design of the biological detection
mechanism for the proposed lateral flow assay.
• Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team to
optimise assay performance, analytical sensitivity, and reliability.
• Apply your expertise in biological assay development to craft a
robust diagnostic platform that addresses existing challenges.
• Collaborate closely with team members to ensure the successful
integration of the assay into farm site operations, enabling Point-ofCare (POC) diagnosis.
• Engage in appropriate training and professional development
opportunities as required by your Principal Investigator, your School
or the University.