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Organization: Dublin Institute of Technology

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Field: life sciences

Requirements:

Essential:
• A certificate in earth or life sciences or a subject directly related to phytoplankton culture.
• Minimum of one year relevant laboratory work experience post graduation.
• Familiarity with the Microsoft Office software suite.
• An aptitude for solving problems in a logical, stepwise manner.

Desirable:
• Experience of working with molecular biology techniques.
• Hands on experience in culturing techniques.
• Ability to carry out field work, including sampling from boats.
• Knowledge of the marine and aquaculture sector.
• A full driving licence.

It is essential that the successful candidate is a good communicator who is able to work well with colleagues. Additionally, he/she should be industrious, decisive, have a proven ability to use his/her own initiative while at the same time working well as a team player. An important attribute is the ability to work in an organised, tidy and above all safe manner.

Abstract:

A Phytoplankton Attendant is required to grow cultures of AZA-producing organisms and other phytoplankton organisms that may predate on primary AZA-producers. A further major role will consist in molecular work aimed at routine screening of phytoplankton water samples for AZA-producing organisms using molecular probes.

Description:

Nature of the Post:
This is a 17 month fixed term contract which will run from date of employment to end of fixed term. 
The provisions of the Dublin Institute of Technology Act, 1992 to 2006 and any subsequent Acts replacing or amending these Acts and any orders and regulations made under these Acts will apply.
The Institute is not in a position to offer a permanent position at this time as it is subject to State controls as set out in the Moratorium on Recruitment and Promotions in the Public Service and the Employment Control Framework for the Higher Education Sector together with budgetary constraints within the Institute.

The Role:
A Phytoplankton Attendant is required to grow cultures of AZA-producing organisms and other phytoplankton organisms that may predate on primary AZA-producers.  A further major role will consist in molecular work aimed at routine screening of phytoplankton water samples for AZA-producing organisms using molecular probes.  This project is a 34-month international multi-disciplinary research project, with partners in Ireland, US, Canada, Norway and Germany.  A summary of the project is available separately (ASTOX2_summary.pdf).  The person will work as part of the DIT / MI joint project team  and the position is mostly a technical role.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Project Manager (PM) of ASTOX2, and the MI Biotoxin Chemistry Team and the Phytoplankton Unit within the Shellfish Safety Section.  The lab attendant will carry out the bulk culturing of the AZA-producing organism and the screening of water samples for the AZA-producing organism using molecular probes.  The successful candidate will have access to MI culturing facilities and the molecular biology laboratory equipment as appropriate.  Interaction with international partners will include day-to-day communication on scientific issues, mainly with the Alfred Wegener Institute for exchange of information regards isolation and culturing procedures and molecular techniques.
Project and Working Environment:
The Phytoplankton Attendant will be employed by DIT to work as part of the ASTOX2 project team, which is located primarily in the Marine Institute (MI) facility in Oranmore Co. Galway. DIT is one of the partners in the project with the Shellfish Safety Section of the MI. The Shellfish Safety section of the Marine Institute has been designated by the EU and the Irish government to be the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Marine Biotoxins.  It is responsible for a wide range of monitoring and analytical services to the Government, Food Safety Authority, the shellfish industry and the EU.  The unit is part of the Marine Environment & Food Safety Services Group, which is committed to high quality services under INAB accreditation. Assignments may also be carried out at other D.I.T. and Marine Institute locations from time to time. 

Principal Tasks:
• Prepare media and grow algal cultures under a variety of growth conditions and density levels (45%)
• Conduct analysis of water samples for the detection of AZA-producing organisms in water samples, using molecular probes (40%)
• Sampling of phytoplankton in the field
• Ordering consumables; assist in the preparation of annual reports and the draft final report.
• Other tasks appropriate to the grade, as assigned from time to time.
A full range of training will be provided as required, on the job and through appropriate courses.  Training needs will be identified by DIT and MI partners through an agreed Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) system.
Reporting Structure:
The successful applicant will report to DIT Assistant Head, School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Dr. Barry Foley), and liaise closely on a daily basis with the manager of the Phytoplankton Unit and Project Manager of the ASTOX2 project. 
 
Salary:
Year 1: €22,716 per annum  
Year 2: €23,584 per annum (pro-rata)
Please note that any offer of employment may be subject to a 10% cut for new entrants to the Public Sector as announced in Budget 2011 on the 7th December 2010.
 
Hours of work:
A 37 hour week is in operation.  Having regard to the nature of the work, attendance outside these hours may be required from time to time.  Starting and finishing times to be agreed with the Project Director. 

Probation:
A probationary period of 4 months from the date the individual commences work will apply.  The appointee will be advised on his/her performance during the period. At the end of probationary period the appointee may be confirmed in his/her appointment, continued on probation for a further period or at any time during the probationary period the appointment may be terminated.

Annual leave:
20 days per year excluding any concession days that may be granted at Christmas and Easter.  Annual leave to be taken within the duration of the contract and as agreed between the Project Director and the individual. Payment for annual leave and public holidays will be made in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997.  Pro rata holiday entitlements will apply to part-time contracts and contracts of less than twelve month’s duration. Holiday entitlement is earned against time worked.

Sick Leave:
Up to 5 single days per annum uncertified sick leave plus a maximum of 14 days certified sick leave per annum may be granted.  Pro rata sick leave entitlements will apply to contracts of less than one year's duration.  Payments in respect of sick leave will be adjusted by reference to any disability benefit received from the Department of Social, Community & Family Affairs.  For continued illness the Institute will be entitled to withdraw from the contract.
A medical certificate / doctor’s note will be required for absence due to illness in excess of three consecutive days at any one time and for each day in excess of seven days in any one year, or salary will not be paid.
The Institute may request a full medical report and is entitled to the facility of having a medical practitioner appointed by the Institute to examine the appointee, subject to any collective agreement applying.

Deadline: 13-02-2011

Contacts:

Link: http://www.candidatemanager.net/cm/Micro/JobDetails.aspx?&mid=Y AZCXGT&sid=EVWEV...

Email: barry.foley@dit.ie

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