Postdoctoral Positions in Chemometric Analysis, NUI Galway

Ireland.Applications for two years Postdoctoral Researcher are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher within the School of Chemistry. This position has a starting Salary of €39,588 per annum and is available for immediate start.

The research will focus on chemometric analysis of the crystalline and amorphous forms of pharmaceutical type compounds. A range of spectroscopic methods and X-ray powder diffraction will be used with the aim of developing rapid methods of analysis of solid forms.

The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. and will have experience in the use of chemometric methods of analysis. Candidates with experience in polymorph analysis are highly desirable.

Main Purpose of the Jobs

• Undertake research as directed by the PIs with the goal of developing robust analytical methods for the analysis of polymorph mixtures.
• Develop chemometric based methods for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of polymorph mixtures using spectroscopic and X-Ray techniques.
• To manage (maintain, operate, and provide training) the analytical and chemometric data produced in the SRC Crystallisation cluster project.
• Working in a team to pursue and develop SRC Crystallisation cluster research and commercialisation strategy.
• To assist in the training of other research personnel in chemometric techniques

The research will be carried out under the direction of Private Investigators those are Professor P. McArdle in collaboration with Dr. A.R. Ryder and Dr. A. Erxleben and forms part of the Solid State Pharmaceutical Cluster, a Science Foundation Ireland Strategic Research Cluster.

The appointee will be based in the School of Chemistry and report directly to the PIs. The appointee will also work very closely with the three Ph.D. researchers in the team.

Main Duties and Responsibilites

1. Conduct research into the use of spectroscopic methods for the analysis of polymorph mixtures as laid out in the workplan document. This will include collation of spectroscopic data, development of quantitative chemometric methods and assessing alternate data analysis and spectroscopic techniques,
2. Assisting in the preparation of samples for analysis and data collection;
3. Supervision in the use of various chemometric methods for different forms of spectroscopic data;
4. Development of combined X-Ray powder diffraction and chemometric methods for the analysis of polymorphs
5. Advise and mentor postgraduate students employed in the project by: assisting in their learning about chemometrics, provide assistance in dealing with complex data streams and assist in software infrastructure maintenance;
6. Maintain and record all experimental data related to the project on a secure backup server.
7. Assist in the preparation and submission of funding proposals (for SRC related research and development projects) and liaison with other departments and units, both internally and externally, to develop joint applications.
8. Assisting in the management of the project.
9. Writing of reports, documentation and training materials.

Any other duties as may be assigned by the private investigators.

Candidate Qualifications

Essential

1. PhD qualification in the area of chemometric analysis.
2. Practical experience in the collection and analysis of spectroscopic data.
3. Research publications in peer reviewed journals.
4. Excellent written and oral presentation skills.
5. Fluent spoken English and excellent written English.
6. Have excellent hands-on technical ability and with a proven track record in project management.
7. Ability to work as part of a team.

Desirable

1. Management experience,
2. Industrial process development experience.
3. Experience in the use of X-Ray Powder diffraction.
4. In depth knowledge of MATLAB
5. Experience in the use of a range of analytical technologies.
6. Postgraduate/Undergraduate supervision experience.

To Apply please send a covering letter, cv and the names and contact details of two referees via e-mail (in word or PDF format only) to Professor P. McArdle (email: Patrick.mcardle@nuigalway.ie)

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday 23rd May 2008.